Class A fire extinguishers can be used for trash, wood, and paper fires. Class B fire extinguishers can be used for flammable liquids, such as oil or grease. Class C fire extinguishers can be used for electrical fires. Class D fire extinguishers can be used for fires involving combustible metals, such as magnesium or sodium. Class K fire extinguishers can be used for cooking fires. Most fire extinguishers in use are rated for class A, B, and C fires.

If the fire doesn’t die down, open the door very carefully and spray it with the extinguisher to put the fire out. If you have any trouble whatsoever, call the fire department immediately.

Consider moving the pan outside if it’s creating a lot of smelly smoke. Rinse it out with the hose when it’s cooled down to keep the mess from stinking up your kitchen. Make sure you put on a heating pad or oven mitt first before trying to grab the handle.

You should also feel free to use a fire extinguisher on grease fires. It works particularly well. Stand at a safe distance from the grease and activate the extinguisher. Avoid using water or flour on grease fires. Flour can ignite, making the fire worse, and—since water doesn’t mix with oil—water can cause the oil to spray elsewhere, throwing flaming oil onto other nearby surfaces. [4] X Research source

Make sure the fire pit is of an appropriate size and of good quality before building your fire. Consider reinforcing pre-made metal pits by piling up dirt or rock to keep the fire housed safely and burning properly. Do NOT burn glass, aluminum cans, or any kind of pressurized aerosol. These objects won’t burn and will be extraordinarily dangerous when they heat up. [7] X Research source Don’t include any large logs in your campfire if you’re aiming to keep the fire small and short-burning.

Wait until you see lots of ash accumulating where the embers were and wait for the glow to die down. Hold your hand over the fire and keep track of the heat coming off it.

Don’t attempt to bury a fire. Burying a fire might let the fire continue smoldering, catching tree roots or other dry brush on fire, protecting it from elements and letting it continue on without your knowing. [11] X Research source

Use heavy equipment, if available, to create a larger firebreak if the situation warrants it. A farm tractor with a disk, a bulldozer, or other equipment can quickly establish a sizable fire break.

Try to control the burn by wetting the ground in front of the direction the fire might be traveling. If it’s blowing in a particular direction, watch the wind to anticipate it’s motion and cut it off at the pass.

Use space heaters wisely. Keep flammable clothing and other substances clear of space heaters and other devices that might catch things on fire.

Consider using battery or electric-operated heaters in lieu of open flame candles. You can get all the aromatic benefits of burning candles without the risk of fire.