If smoke begins to come out of a pan on the stove, it's important to take immediate action to prevent a potential fire or further escalation of the situation. Here's what you should do:
Turn off the heat: If the pan is on an active burner, immediately turn off the stove. This will help stop the source of the smoke and reduce the risk of fire.
Keep the lid on: If it's safe to do so, use a lid or a flat, non-flammable object (like a baking sheet) to cover the pan. This can help smother the flames if the smoke is due to a small fire inside the pan.
Do NOT use water: If there's a fire in the pan, do not try to extinguish it with water. Water can cause hot oil or grease to splatter and spread the fire.
Avoid inhaling smoke: Stay low to the ground while near the pan to avoid inhaling the smoke, as it may contain toxic fumes.
Use a fire extinguisher (if needed): If the situation escalates into a fire and you have a Class B fire extinguisher specifically designed for grease fires, you may use it. Remember the acronym "PASS": Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the lever, and Sweep from side to side.
Call for help: If the fire becomes unmanageable or you're unsure about what to do, evacuate the area immediately and call the fire department for assistance.
Assess the cause: Once the situation is under control and safe, try to identify the cause of the smoke. Common reasons for smoke from a pan can be overheated oil, burning food, or a forgotten item left on the stove.
Preventing such situations is crucial, so always keep an eye on the stove while cooking and never leave it unattended. If you have to step away, turn off the stove. Also, make sure to keep flammable items, such as oven mitts, dish towels, and paper products, away from the stovetop.