How to Put Out a Grill Fire
Original image by iulian aghei on Unsplash.
If you can safely reach the knobs, turn off the burners on a gas or propane grill.
If a propane tank itself is involved in the fire, evacuate the vicinity and call emergency services immediately.
Smother the fire.
Never spray water onto a grease fire. It will intensify the flames and spread the burning grease to a wider area. Throw salt, baking soda, or sand onto the fire to smother the flames.
Close the lid.
Make sure all the grill vents are closed to further starve the fire of oxygen.
If the fire is still burning after 30 seconds, douse the grill with a fire extinguisher.
PRO TIP:
Flare-ups are usually caused by excess fat and grease dripping from meat through the grates. To prevent a fare-up from getting out of control, quickly move food to a warming rack with a pair of long-handled tongs. Return each piece to the center of the grill one by one, let the excess fat burn off, and remove it to the warming rack again. When every piece has been treated in this fashion, return all the food to the grill and continue cooking.
How to Extinguish a Lawn Fire
Locate fire-suppression tools.
Instruct others nearby to quickly gather a bucket of water, shovel, and rake.
Smother the flames.
Apply water liberally, or if none is available, use a shovel to dig soil or sand and cover the fire. A long-handled shovel with a wide blade can be used to swat or tamp out errant flames. Stand well back from blazing grass as you attempt to put out the fire.
Clear the area of fuel.
As you dig or tamp, push flammable items, such as leaves or brush, away from the path of the fire.
If you are unable to extinguish the fire, use the rake or shovel to clear a path to safety.
Call emergency services.