Baking soda releases carbon dioxide when heated, this gas helps to smother flames by cutting off the oxygen supply needed for combustion, which helps extinguish the fire.
Baking soda, chemically known as sodium bicarbonate, is a naturally alkaline white powder, meaning it easily neutralizes acids. When heated, it rapidly decomposes, releasing carbon dioxide (CO₂), an incombustible gas that literally pushes oxygen away from flames. Less oxygen means less fire. Furthermore, during this decomposition, baking soda also creates sodium carbonate, a solid residue that covers the burning surface, thereby forming a barrier against the re-ignition of the fire.
Baking soda reacts to heat by releasing carbon dioxide (CO₂), a gas that suffocates flames. Fire needs oxygen to keep burning, so the more CO₂ there is, the less room there is for oxygen. By covering the flames with a layer of baking soda, you remove their oxygen supply and calm the fire directly at the source. Another big bonus: this powder creates a sort of insulating barrier around the fire, which also slows down the heat. As a result, the flame gently dies out, and you can finally catch your breath.
Baking soda is a good alternative to water, especially for small grease fires, because it quickly smothers the flames without spreading them. Water could worsen this type of fire by splashing the flames around the kitchen: a bad idea. Besides traditional fire extinguishers suitable for kitchen fires, baking soda remains super handy for a quick response if you don't have one on hand. Salt can work too, but it’s less effective because it requires a larger amount and doesn't release CO₂ as quickly as baking soda. A wet cloth or a fire blanket is also a useful solution to cut off the air supply to the flames, but be careful; you need to be confident in your actions to avoid making things worse. So, baking soda is the smart choice for a quick fix.
Always keep baking soda in an easily accessible container near the stove—not at the back of a cupboard or hidden under the sink. If a small fire breaks out, throw a good handful directly onto the flames, never from a distance and especially without water! Make the motion carefully and calmly, because a sudden movement could spread the flames. A practical tip: check regularly that the baking soda is not damp or clumped together; it should be dry and free-flowing to be effective. One last essential point: if the fire becomes uncontrollable or exceeds a reasonable size, forget your inner firefighter and quickly call for help.
Unlike baking soda, flour or sugar should never be used to extinguish a fire in the kitchen, as their fine particles are flammable and can dangerously worsen the situation.
Baking soda is also useful in the kitchen: it can neutralize unpleasant odors in a refrigerator, clean your surfaces without scratching, and even tenderize certain culinary preparations.
In the event of a fire caused by oil or grease in a pan, water should be absolutely avoided: upon contact, the fire can suddenly explode out of the container. Instead, opt for baking soda or, even better, a suitable lid to smother the flames.
Baking soda releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) when heated, thereby depriving the fire of oxygen and allowing it to be extinguished quickly.
Baking soda is particularly effective on kitchen fires caused by fats and oils. However, it is not suitable for large fires or fires of electrical origin, for which a specific fire extinguisher is required.
Adding water to a grease or oil fire can cause a dangerous steam explosion: the water will rapidly evaporate upon contact with the burning oil, propelling flaming particles and significantly worsening the fire.
Quickly and generously sprinkle baking soda directly onto the base of the fire, being careful not to get too close to the flames. The goal is to completely cover the source of the fire to cut off the oxygen supply.
That depends on the size of the fire. Generally, a small fire can be smothered with a few generous handfuls of baking soda. For added precaution, it's best to have a whole package on hand reserved for this kind of emergency.
Yes, whether it's food-grade or technical baking soda, their effectiveness in extinguishing a kitchen fire is similar. However, just make sure that the technical baking soda used does not contain any other additives or chemicals that could be problematic.
No one has answered this quiz yet, be the first!' :-)
Question 1/5
