We’re heading into the holidays when we’ll be spending more time with family and friends, as well as in the kitchen. But this is when we need to be on high alert.The National Fire Protection Association says cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Over the last few years, data shows we average 158,400 fires every year.Those fires cause 4,150 injuries and 470 deaths annually.One of the major causes is grease fires. They start when the temperature gets too hot and you’ve walked away from the kitchen. You might think you know what to do if a grease fire happens in your kitchen, but you could be wrong. Some of the conventional wisdom we’ve heard over the years isn’t right. We went to the experts at the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue to learn the only right way to put out a grease fire.Water? No. This is the worst way to put out a grease fire. Those two things don’t mix. In fact, if you put water on a grease fire, it will explode and cause an even bigger fire.Fire extinguisher? No. It’s always good to have a home fire extinguisher but chances are, you might not know how to use it. And if you haven’t used it, it might be expired. Plus, an extinguisher can easily push the pan off the stove and catch the things around it on fire. So other options should be chosen first.Powders? No. I know what you’re thinking…salt and baking soda can smother a grease fire. You’re right. But here’s the problem…flour and baking powder cannot. They could actually make the fire grow and cause it to explode large. Sugar also creates an issue. Experts say, you could easily confuse the powders in the moment of panic Or you could only have a small amount of the correct one. So it’s best to steer clear of using a powder to put out a grease fire.Lid or cookie sheet? The only safe way to put out a grease fire on the stove is with a lid or cookie sheet or large pan. You slowly slide the sheet or pan over the fire with an oven mitt on your hand. Try not to slam it down hard, as you would knock over the pan with the fire in. Suffocate the fire, turn off the stove, go outside and call 911.Oven fires: Want to know what to do if an oven fire happens? Turn off the oven and keep the door closed. With no more power or oxygen, the fire should die out. Wait until it does, then open the windows and the over door to let the smoke out slowly.The biggest lesson we learned is that when you're cooking, stay in the kitchen and keep alert!