A grease fire can leave smoke, soot and oily residue throughout a kitchen. Put personal safety first, then arrange an assessment before cleaning damaged surfaces or using affected appliances.
If a pan catches fire
If you are unsure you can act safely, leave immediately and call 911 from outside. Never carry a burning pan or pour water onto burning grease. For a small fire confined to a pan, and only if safe, slide a lid or baking sheet over the pan and turn off the heat. Leave the cover in place until the pan has cooled. Do not reach through flames.
Prevent cooking fires by staying nearby while cooking, keeping combustible items away from the stove and turning off the burner if oil begins smoking. Read the U.S. Fire Administration cooking fire guidance.
Before cleanup begins
Wait for emergency responders to confirm that it is safe to return. Avoid damaged wiring, appliances and unstable materials. Photograph the damage when safe and contact your insurer about documentation and the next steps required by your policy.
Assess smoke, soot and affected materials
Visible residue may extend beyond the stove to cabinets, walls and adjoining rooms. Describe the fire, affected rooms and any water used to extinguish it when requesting an assessment. The cleanup approach depends on the surface, residue and extent of damage.
Use cleaning products only as labeled and follow the material manufacturer's instructions. Never mix cleaning chemicals. Ask about professional cleaning for porous materials, persistent smoke odors or damage you cannot safely access. Avoid painting over residue before its source has been assessed.
Plan repairs and return to use
Discuss which materials can be cleaned, which may need replacement and whether appliances or electrical components need inspection. HTX Elite Build can review your property's cleanup, restoration and reconstruction needs and help define an agreed scope of work.