Protocol
Do not move a burning pan or add water
The priority is getting people out, not saving the pan.
When it fits
- A pan catches fire during cooking.
When to avoid it
- Do not rehearse with a real fire or return for possessions. If a route is unsafe, contact emergency services and follow their instructions rather than pushing through smoke.
Why it matters
Do not tackle the fire, carry the pan or add water. Turn off the heat only if it can be done safely. Leave the room, close the door behind you where safe, warn others and call the local emergency service from safety.
Steps
- Do not move the pan or put water on it.
- Only switch off heat when doing so does not expose you to danger.
- Leave, warn others and call for emergency help.
An example
A person sees flames and resists the impulse to carry the pan to the sink.
Check your result
The response avoids spreading the fire and gets people to safety rather than prolonging exposure.
Keep this limit in mind
- Do not rehearse with a real fire or return for possessions. If a route is unsafe, contact emergency services and follow their instructions rather than pushing through smoke.
Connected ideas
Useful withPrepare the fire response for this building and these people
Evidence and sources
Supports
London Fire Brigade advises not moving a burning pan or adding water, turning off heat only when safe, then leaving, closing the door and calling emergency services.
The public guidance does not require a person to attempt firefighting or retrieve property.
Pan fires · Pan-fire response