During a kitchen fire, which action should be avoided?

Pouring water directly on a kitchen fire should be avoided because it can exacerbate the situation, especially if the fire involves cooking oils or fats. When water is introduced to these types of fires, it can cause the burning material to be thrown around violently, leading to the spread of flames and making the fire much worse. Additionally, this can create a flashback effect, where the fire intensifies suddenly. Understanding the nature of kitchen fires is critical for effective emergency response; using water is typically appropriate for ordinary combustibles but is dangerous for grease fires.

On the other hand, actions like turning off the heat source can help control the fire, and utilizing a fire extinguisher is aimed at effectively and safely putting out the flames. Using a wet cloth to smother flames may also be a tactic for small fires, as it can deprive the fire of oxygen. However, water is unequivocally unsuitable for addressing kitchen fires involving flammable cooking liquids.