Oil Fires: From Unattended Bacon to Explosive Fireballs

Water, being heavier than oil, sinks to the bottom of a pan of grease where it heats to dangerous temperatures instantly. The explosive force of the steam blows the burning oil out of the pan. This can result in fireballs launching even thirty feet up in the air. Sugar and flour are other dangers to oil fires, as one cup of either creates the explosive force of two sticks of dynamite.