What should be done if a fire starts in a kitchen?

When a fire starts in a kitchen, using a fire blanket to cover the flames is an effective fire-fighting technique. Fire blankets are designed to extinguish small fires by smothering the flames, thereby cutting off the fire's access to oxygen. This method is particularly useful for grease fires, which can escalate when water is poured on them because it can cause the flames to spread. A fire blanket can safely contain the fire without the risk of splattering burning grease.

While other actions such as leaving the kitchen or turning off the stove may be sensible depending on the situation, they do not directly address the fire itself in an immediate manner. Turning off the stove can help prevent the fire from growing if it’s still ignited, and leaving the kitchen ensures personal safety, but actively smothering the fire with a blanket provides the best chance of extinguishing it quickly and effectively.