What is the most effective way to control a grease fire?

The most effective way to control a grease fire is to use a fire extinguisher rated for Class K or cover it with a metal lid. Class K fire extinguishers are specifically designed to tackle fires that involve cooking oils and fats, which are common in kitchen environments. They work by cooling the burning oil and creating a foam that eliminates oxygen and prevents re-ignition.

Covering the fire with a metal lid is another excellent method. This action can effectively smother the flames by cutting off the fire's oxygen supply, which is crucial since fire requires oxygen to sustain combustion. Using a metal lid is especially effective as it does not introduce any additional materials that could potentially ignite.

Utilizing water on a grease fire is dangerous because it can cause the burning oil to splatter and spread the fire more rapidly. Blowing it out with your breath is impractical and unsafe; it may also scatter the flames. Smothering with flour is ineffective and may even be hazardous as it could ignite or create a dust explosion in the presence of a flame. Therefore, using a Class K extinguisher or a metal lid remains the safest and most reliable methods to manage grease fires.