Smokin-It Grease Fire / Wood Ignition

Visible flames or flare-ups inside smoker

Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

Possible Causes

Excessive grease buildup near element, Drip pan missing or overfull, Too much wood in wood box, Door opened wide allowing extra oxygen

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Do not open the door fully during an active flare-up. Do not use water to extinguish a grease fire.

Immediate actions:

Turn off power: Switch off the smoker and unplug it if safe to do so.
Keep door closed: Closing the door will starve the fire of oxygen. If smoke becomes excessive, crack the door slightly while standing to the side.
Use fire extinguisher: If flames persist, use a Class B or multipurpose (ABC) fire extinguisher through a small opening.

After the event:

Thorough cleaning: Once cool, remove all racks, pans, and the wood box. Clean all grease from the interior, especially near the element and drain.
Check components: Inspect the heating element, wiring, and insulation for heat damage. Replace any damaged parts.
Reduce wood and grease: Use less wood and keep drip pans clean and not overfilled to prevent recurrence.

Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Heating Element / Internal Wiring (if damaged)

Check Price on Amazon

We may earn a commission from links on this page.