How do you stop a fire in the oven or microwave?

How do you stop a fire in the oven or microwave?

• A. Open the door and fan the flames.
• B. Close the door, turn off the oven, and do not open the door; call the fire department if it continues to smoke.
• C. Pour water into the oven.
• D. Remove the oven racks immediately.

Answer: (B)

When a fire starts in an oven or microwave, the priority is to starve the flames of oxygen and stop the heat source while staying safe. The best move is to keep the door closed and turn off the appliance, then avoid opening the door again. Keeping the door closed limits oxygen and helps prevent flames from flaring up, while turning off the appliance stops adding heat. Opening the door would introduce fresh air, which can feed the fire and make it harder to control. If smoke continues, evacuate and call the fire department. Do not pour water into the oven, and do not try to move racks or poke at the flames, as these actions can spread the fire or cause burns. If you know how to use a kitchen-appropriate extinguisher safely, you may do so, but only if it’s safe to act.

When a fire starts in an oven or microwave, the priority is to starve the flames of oxygen and stop the heat source while staying safe. The best move is to keep the door closed and turn off the appliance, then avoid opening the door again. Keeping the door closed limits oxygen and helps prevent flames from flaring up, while turning off the appliance stops adding heat. Opening the door would introduce fresh air, which can feed the fire and make it harder to control. If smoke continues, evacuate and call the fire department. Do not pour water into the oven, and do not try to move racks or poke at the flames, as these actions can spread the fire or cause burns. If you know how to use a kitchen-appropriate extinguisher safely, you may do so, but only if it’s safe to act.