What is Burning in a Type F Fire? – Complete Guide

When we talk about fire safety, most people think about common types like electrical fires or those caused by smoking. However, Type F fires present a unique and dangerous challenge. They are often overlooked but are one of the most common causes of serious household and commercial property fires in the UK.

So, what exactly is burning in a Type F fire? These fires involve cooking oils and fats, substances that ignite quickly and burn at extremely high temperatures. Whether in a busy commercial kitchen or a simple domestic setting, Type F fires require specific extinguishing methods and careful management.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• What materials burn in a Type F fire 
• How these fires start and spread 
• Why conventional extinguishers are ineffective 
• Prevention methods for homes and businesses 
• Steps to take after fire damage 

What Burns in a Type F Fire?

At the heart of a Type F fire is cooking oil or fat. Unlike wood, paper, or textiles, oils and fats burn at incredibly high temperatures, which makes these fires difficult to control.

Some common sources include:

• Deep fryers in restaurants or takeaways 
• Frying pans left unattended on stovetops 
• Commercial kitchens with constant oil-based cooking 
• Industrial food production equipment using high-fat processes 

Unlike other combustible materials, once oil or fat reaches its auto-ignition point, the fire can become self-sustaining and spread rapidly.

Read also: What does a fire restoration company do

Why Type F Fires Are So Dangerous

1. High ignition temperatures: Oils ignite between 315°C and 370°C, much higher than solid fuels like wood. 
2. Water makes it worse: Pouring water on hot oil causes a violent reaction, leading to a fireball. 
3. Rapid spread: In kitchens, flames can quickly reach cabinets, extractors, and surrounding appliances. 
4. Smoke and toxic residue: These fires produce dense smoke and sticky soot, leaving lasting damage. 

This is why special wet chemical extinguishers are recommended, as they react with burning oil to create a soapy layer that smothers flames.

Read also: how to repair a fire damaged house​

Common Causes of Type F Fires

Understanding what leads to these fires is essential for prevention:

• Unattended cooking – the most frequent cause in both homes and restaurants. 
• Overheating oils – leaving fryers or pans on high heat for too long. 
• Lack of maintenance – grease build-up in extractor fans or hoods. 
• Improper disposal – leaving hot oil or fat in open containers. 

According to the UK Fire and Rescue Services, cooking-related incidents make up a significant proportion of domestic fire callouts every year.

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How to Extinguish a Type F Fire

Unlike Type A (wood, textiles) or Type B (flammable liquids) fires, Type F fires require specialised treatment.

Do not:

• Use water (it will cause the fire to spread). 
• Use standard foam or CO2 extinguishers (they are ineffective). 

Do:

• Use a wet chemical extinguisher, designed for oil and fat fires. 
• Cut off the heat source if safe to do so. 
• Cover pans with a fire blanket to starve the fire of oxygen. 
• Evacuate immediately if the fire is spreading. 

Prevention Measures for Homes and Businesses

• Install kitchen fire suppression systems in restaurants. 
• Train staff on correct extinguisher use and emergency procedures. 
• Keep extractor systems clean to prevent grease build-up. 
• Never leave hot oil unattended, even for a short time. 
• Store extinguishers and fire blankets within easy reach of cooking stations. 

In domestic homes, simple vigilance such as turning off the hob when leaving the kitchen can prevent devastating losses.

What To Do After a Type F Fire

Even after a fire is controlled, damage from smoke, soot, and high heat can linger. This is where professional fire damage restoration becomes essential.

At Disaster Care Capital, our services include:

• Emergency response to stabilise your property. 
• Smoke and odour removal using advanced equipment. 
• Deep cleaning of walls, ceilings, and kitchen equipment. 
• Content restoration for items affected by soot. 
• Structural repairs where fire has caused lasting damage. 

Recovering from a kitchen fire is about more than cleaning—it’s about restoring safety and confidence in your home or business.

Read also: How much does fire damage restoration cost?

Conclusion

To answer the core question: what burns in a Type F fire? The answer is cooking oils and fats. While simple in explanation, the reality is that these fires are among the most dangerous due to their intensity and rapid escalation.

By understanding their causes, prevention strategies, and the correct way to respond, both homeowners and business owners can significantly reduce their risk. And in the unfortunate event of damage, professional fire restoration services are key to recovery.

FAQs 

1. What extinguisher should be used for a Type F fire?
   Only a wet chemical extinguisher is recommended, as it is specifically designed for oil and fat fires. 
2. Can I put water on a Type F fire?
   No. Adding water will cause the oil to splatter and create a fireball, worsening the fire. 
3. Where do Type F fires commonly happen?
   They most often occur in kitchens—both domestic and commercial—where cooking oils and fats are present.