How to put out a gas fire – 12 Safety tips

We didn’t start the fire, it was always burning, since the… Okay, it’s definitely not a good moment to sing that Billy Joel tune. Why? Well, because you’ve got a gas fire to put out, that’s why!

Why’s the emphasis on this one being not a regular, but a gas fire? Does it make any difference? Fire’s a fire, right? Well, we beg to differ. The way you’ll put out a normal fire differs from the way you’ll put out a gas fire.

First, you’ll want to shut off the main gas valve. If that’s not possible, try to put out the fire using baking soda. Or: you can cut off the fire’s oxygen supply with a metal pot (or anything that’s not flammable). If the fire’s too big, evacuate the premises and dial an emergency number. Don’t try anything yourself! 

So, are you anxious to know if there’s more to it than this preview? If that’s so, check out the article below! (Was that a rhyme?)

What is a gas fire?

Here we’ll show you something that could serve as a definition. Essentially, a gas fire is a fire (well, of course) caused by burning gas. As if you couldn’t figure out that one by yourself, amirite? Anyway, a gas fire might be a little tougher to put out. Once you read all those tips we’ll show you downstairs, we’re sure you’ll agree with us on that one!

Needless to say, a gasoline fire’s a fire that’s caused by the ignition of gasoline vapors. We’ve talked about those vapors a lot on this site. However, today we’ll steer clear of talking about gasoline’s flash point, etc.

Below you’ll find tips on putting out both natural gas and gasoline fires. Also, if you’re wondering where gas evaporates without a gas cap, click here.

Anything else before we start?

As a matter of fact, yes! The thing is: natural gas is a commonplace thing inside our homes. Without it, many stovetops and fireplaces (or other heating systems) wouldn’t work. Needless to say, it’s pretty easily set on fire. If you were to smell a natural gas leak, you’d need to react instantly. As we’ve implied above, gas fires are a bit tough to be put out.

On the other hand, gasoline fires are somehow easier to extinguish. Still, one wouldn’t want to mess around with ’em either. We’ll talk about it, too, in just a bit.

How to put out a gas fire – 12 Safety tips

So, shall we begin the tour? Here are the tips we’ve promised to show you!

#1 How to put out a gasoline fire without a fire extinguisher?

The easiest way to do this without an extinguisher is to smother the fire with wet rags. Or you can use some woolen cloth, sand, mud, or even – ashes. Of course, this only works when the amount of gasoline is not big. If the amount of gasoline causing the fire is huge, water won’t do you any good. Unless, of course, we’re talking about a flood or somethin’.

Also, gasoline’s a liquid that needs to be handled with care. One doesn’t need to read a hundred books to learn that. Anyway, here’s an article on the proper transport of gasoline.

#2-6 How to put out a gas grill fire?

Here we’ll show you how to put out a gas grill fire without much hassle.

Phase one (tip #2)

First things first, turn off your gas grill’s burners. You’ll want to completely shut off the gas supply. Why? Well, because it will stop providing the grease that’s already burning with new flames. That way, you’ll be able to safely put out the fire.

If you’re thinking it ain’t safe to turn off the burner dials, there’s an alternate solution. Simply shut off the gas supply by turning the gas tank valve to the right. Speaking of gas tanks, here’s how you’ll store them safely.

Phase two (tip #3)

The next thing you’ll want to do is to “shut off” the fire’s oxygen supply. You can try to smother the fire by putting your cooking pot over it. A cooking pot that’s turned upside down, of course. The main point is that whatever you cover the fire with shouldn’t be flammable.

Here’s some friendly advice: don’t try to extinguish the fire with water. You can only make things worse by doing it. The fire might spread.

Phase three (tip #4)

The fire hasn’t stopped yet? Well, it was always burning since… Okay, that’s the last Billy Joel moment for today. Anyway, if the method above didn’t work, we have a suggestion.

Got baking soda? Good. Pour it all over the burning grease in order to handle the fire. Low on baking soda, or have none? Use salt. Here’s a little warning: don’t try the same thing with sugar or flour.

Phase four (tip #5)

Well, it’s not exactly a phase. Here’s what’s the deal: use a pressurized fire extinguisher only if nothing else works. That’s because the stream coming from it can help spread the grease (fire). Stand far away from the fire while you’re spraying it.

Phase five (tip #6)

Phew, that was a tough one! The fire’s finally out! Use a wire brush to clean your gas grill. That way, you’ll “delete” any flammable residue that might be left. Get all that grease and crusty bits off your trusty gas grill. If you’ve used baking soda to put out the fire, clean its remains too.

#7 How to put out a gas stove fire?

It looks like we’re going to repeat ourselves here. Here it goes: don’t try to put out a gas stove fire with water. As you’ve already heard, water will help spread it. The first thing you’ll want to do is to turn off the burner. Cut off the flame’s oxygen supply by covering the pan with a metal lid. The whole process is a lot like the one we’ve shown you above.

A piece of friendly advice, as always: don’t use a glass lid to cover the fire. It will most likely shatter into bits from the heat. Also, keep yourself protected by using oven mitts. Lastly, baking soda also works wonders here.

#8-12 How to put out a natural gas fire?

Sometimes folks like to confuse propane and natural gas. If you’re wondering which one burns hotter, read this article. And now, without further ado, let’s see how you’ll deal with a natural gas fire.

Phase one (tip #8)

If it’s possible (if you can safely get to it), shut off the main valve. If fire stands in your way, don’t even try. You’re better off safe than sorry, as they say. Of course, if there’s a broken-gas-line type of leak, turning off the valve won’t do much.

Phase two (tip #9)

We know, we know. We’re getting downright boring with this. If there’s a gas leak, don’t attempt to extinguish the fire. Especially not with water, as it will only assist in spreading the fire. That’s it for the don’t-use-water warning in this text! We stick to our words, just like we’ve stuck with not mentioning Billy Joel. Oh, darn it…

Phase three (tip #10)

As we’ve already said, if there’s a leak – don’t try to do anything to do fire. The best thing you can do is evacuate the premises along with everyone inside. Once you’re outside, try moving as far away as possible from the building/house. You’ll want to know that there’s a serious risk of an explosion. That’s why you need to be away from the building; a tiny spark’s enough.

The method from above stands, even if there isn’t a fire burning yet, only a leak. You’ll want to call assistance, rather than trying anything out by yourself.

Phase four (tip #11)

Immediately contact professional assistance. In other words: call the utility company to close off the gas supply. They’re equipped well enough to safely handle the task. If you can’t grab hold of their number, call 911 and they’ll call ’em.

Phase five (tip #12)

Of course, if the fire’s out of control, there’s no need to call the utility company first. Dial 911 or any other emergency number immediately! Tell the operator what’s going on! The fire department will arrive fast enough to inspect the premises. They’ll make sure there are no unmonitored leaks or somethin’. 

This type of inspection is recommended even if the utility company turned off the gas supply. There’s no need to emphasize the fact the folks at the fire department have more experience. In handling fires, that is. Anyway, once they’re done, you won’t need to worry about this ever again.

A couple of words before we “vacate the premises”

That’s about it on the topic of handling gas fires, dear folks! We hope you’ll never have to deal with these issues. Still, if they are to appear – you’re equipped with the right kind of knowledge to safely handle ’em!

For more tips on gas, gasoline, and other similar categories, pay a visit to our blog page.