Guide to Kitchen Fire Safety

Learn important practices to reduce the risk of fire and protect your family

Nothing beats a fresh, home-cooked meal. Cooking is a daily routine for most households: Americans spend roughly 400 hours per year in the kitchen.

But while the act of cooking has become second nature to many, it’s important to remember the associated dangers; cooking is one of the most significant fire hazards in homes. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and fire-related injuries in the United States.

Cooking fire facts

(Source: NFPA Applied Research, 2014-2018)

Over 60% of home cooking fires are the result of food or other cooking material igniting.
Far and away, frying is the most common cause of kitchen fires.
60% of home cooking fire incidents involve ranges or cooktops.
Equipment which has been left unattended are involved in a third of home cooking fires; over half of resultant deaths involve unattended equipment.
In fewer than 1% of these fires, the initial item to catch fire is clothing, yet clothing ignitions account for 8% of fatalities in home cooking fires.

Part of our mission at WSRB is to provide individuals and their families with the resources necessary to avoid disaster. This guide aims to educate homeowners on safe cooking practices and what to do in the case of a kitchen fire emergency, referencing NFPA's resources for home cooking safety.

Preventing Kitchen Fires

Keep a clean kitchen

Maintaining a clean kitchen is the first line of defense against kitchen fires.

Spic and span: It’s important to regularly clean your stovetop, oven, and kitchen appliances; grease and food residues accumulate over time and increase the risk of fires. Cleaning exposed areas after each cooking session, paying special attention to burners, heating elements, and the oven interior, can greatly reduce the chance of future fire.

Under the hood: Often overlooked, the exhaust hood over your stove is of particular importance for fire prevention. The hood, essential for removing smoke and odors, can also accumulate grease. Prevent buildup of flammable materials by regularly cleaning the hood's filters and interior and ensure proper ventilation by checking that the exhaust duct is clean and unobstructed.

Detector: Having a properly placed smoke detector nearby cooking areas can promptly alert during situations with excessive smoke. Consider investing in a smart smoke alarm, a newer type of smoke alarm designed to reduce cooking nuisance alarms.

Safe cooking practices

Practicing safe cooking techniques is fundamental to kitchen fire prevention.

Pay attention: Unattended equipment is the single most common cause of kitchen fires. Always stay in the kitchen throughout the course of cooking, especially if you are using the stovetop; turn off the heat source if you need to leave the kitchen. When using the oven, it’s okay to leave the kitchen temporarily, but be sure to regularly check back on the progress of your dish.

Tick tock: A great tip to avoid kitchen fires, and ensure you don’t overcook your food, is to utilize a timer. It’s easy to become distracted, and a timer can help prevent issues caused by food being left on the heat for too long.

Stay sober: Cooking requires consistent focus and attention. Avoid cooking if you are feeling tired, sleepy, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs - impaired judgment can lead to accidents in the kitchen.

Kid free: An active kitchen is no place for children to be playing; establish a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove, oven, and areas where hot food is being prepared.

Flammable materials

Proper storage and handling of flammable materials are essential to kitchen safety.

Out of reach: Be sure to keep dishtowels, potholders, paper towels, and other flammable materials away from the stovetop, oven, and other heat sources. A good tip is to set aside space to store these items in designated areas, ideally far away from the cooking area.

Smart storage: Flammable liquids, such as cooking oils and cleaning products, must be stored far from heat sources. If you need to use these materials while cooking, be cautious to keep them away from hot surfaces and open flames.

Safe appliance use

Using kitchen appliances safely is key to preventing electrical fires and other hazards.

Maintain course: Regularly inspect and maintain your kitchen appliances. Look for damaged cords or frayed wires, and replace or repair them promptly. Faulty appliances can pose a significant fire risk.

Follow the rules: Read and understand manufacturer's instructions for proper use of kitchen appliances, including guidance on temperature settings, cooking times, and other specific safety precautions.

The safety practices outlined in this section can significantly reduce the risk of kitchen fires; regular cleaning, attentive cooking practices, mindful use and storage of flammable materials, and appliance safety all contribute to a safer cooking environment. Additionally, staying informed about the latest kitchen fire safety recommendations from organizations like the NFPA is essential to maintaining a secure and hazard-free kitchen.

For more robust kitchen safety, learn about home sprinkler systems.

Cooking with Caution

Clothing and accessories

The attire and accessories you choose while cooking can greatly impact your safety while cooking.

Keep it tight: Loose clothing, such as long sleeves or baggy aprons, can easily come into contact with flames or hot surfaces. In contrast, close-fitting or short sleeves greatly reduce the chance of ignition. If you prefer an apron, make sure it fits snugly around your body.

Tied up: Long hair can be a fire hazard when it hangs loose near open flames. Always tie your hair back securely to prevent it from catching fire or contacting hot surfaces.

Ditch the trinkets: Remove rings, bracelets, and other jewelry that can pose a risk while cooking. They may easily get caught on handles, knobs, or hot surfaces, potentially leading to accidents.

Proper cookware

The choice of cookware and its proper use can significantly impact kitchen fire safety.

Pots and pans: Use quality cookware such as stainless steel, cast iron, or non-stick pans. In contrast to cheaper alternatives, these materials distribute heat evenly and reduce the risk of hot spots that can cause food to burn or catch fire.

Sealed: Cookware with tight-fitting lids can be invaluable in smothering potential flames. If you encounter fire flaring up in a pan, quickly place the lid over the top to cut off oxygen and extinguish the flames.

Unstuck: Non-stick pans reduce the chances of fire by allowing food to slide effortlessly over the surface. However, be cautious with certain types of non-stick cookware, as high temperatures can release toxic fumes - keep the heat at a moderate level. Learn more about whether your nonstick cookware is safe to use.

Cooking with grease

Cooking with oil or grease is necessary for many dishes. However, it can be particularly hazardous if not handled properly.

Fried: If you often cook with oil, consider investing in a deep frier. This ensures that the oil remains at a safe and consistent temperature, reducing the risk of overheating and ignition.

Clean up: If hot grease spills, do not attempt to clean it up immediately. Let it cool and solidify, then carefully clean it up. Never use water to clean up hot grease, as it can cause splattering and fires.

Ignition: In the event of a grease fire, act with determination. To extinguish the blaze, there are two options: (1) place a tight-fitting lid on the pan to smother the flames or (2) use a Class K fire extinguisher, specifically designed for kitchen fires. Never pour water on a grease fire; this will cause the fire to spread. Additionally, do not attempt to carry the flaming pan.

Grill safety

Barbecuing is a tasty way to celebrate throughout the summer, so be sure to follow these safety tips:

Grill only in a well-ventilated, outside area.
Follow all the instructions and safety warnings your grill came with.
Clean your grill to prevent flare-ups.
Maintain a safe distance between your grill and any combustible items, including furniture, railings, overhangs, and branches.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Do not allow kids or pets within three feet of the barbecue to keep them safe and prevent anyone from tipping over the barbecue and causing a fire.
Follow any rules your apartment or condo building enforces.

By paying close attention to your attire, choosing the right cookware, handling grease properly, and maintaining grilling best practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of kitchen fires. Remember that kitchen safety extends beyond just cooking techniques; it involves your clothing, accessories, and the equipment you use. Being mindful of these details can make your cooking experience both enjoyable and safe.

What to do in Case of a Kitchen Fire

If a fire starts

Understanding how to respond when a fire ignites in your kitchen is crucial to minimizing damage and ensuring your safety.

Small grease fire in a pan

Try to remain calm and focused. Panic can lead to poor decision-making.
Quickly turn off the burner under the pan. This step stops the heat source that's fueling the fire.
Carefully place a tight-fitting lid over the flames to smother them. Be sure to keep the lid between you and the flames; this ensures you don’t get burned in the process.
Never use water to extinguish a grease fire; water can cause grease to spread and the flames along with it.

Oven fire

Keep the oven door closed. This prevents oxygen from feeding the fire and can help contain it.
If you can safely reach the oven controls, turn off the heat source.

Microwave fire

Turn it off immediately and keep the door closed; do not open the door until the fire is completely extinguished.
Do not use your microwave again until you have had it check and/or repaired by a specialist.

Using a fire extinguisher

Having a fire extinguisher designed for kitchen fires (Class K) within easy reach is crucial; keep one located in a convenient and easily accessible place in your kitchen. To ensure your extinguisher is ready for you when you need it, you'll need to do monthly and annual maintenance.

When using a fire extinguisher, remember PASS - Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep:

Pull: Pull the pin to unlock the extinguisher.

Aim: Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire. This is where the fire's fuel source is.

Squeeze: Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent (usually a wet chemical designed for grease fires).

Sweep: Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side, covering the entire fire until it appears to be out.

Once the fire appears to be out, back away slowly while continuing to monitor the area. Fires can reignite, so be cautious.

Evacuation

The safety of you and your family are of utmost importance. When a kitchen fire gets out of hand, making it impossible to safely extinguish the fire, do not hesitate to evacuate immediately.

Shut the door: When evacuating, always close the kitchen door behind you. In doing so, you help reduce the chances of the fire spreading beyond the kitchen to other parts of your home.

Stay low: Smoke rises; staying as low to the ground as possible makes it easier to breathe as you evacuate.

Calling 911

Once you've safely evacuated the kitchen and are outside, follow these steps to summon professional assistance:

Call 911: Upon successfully evacuating, dial 911 or your local emergency number immediately. The faster you call, the higher the chances of successfully combatting the fire will be.

Provide information: Be prepared to supply the emergency dispatcher with the following information:

Your address.
The nature of the emergency (e.g., a kitchen fire).
Any additional information, such as if there are people or pets still inside.

Stay on the line with the emergency dispatcher. They may provide you with further instructions and ensure that help is on the way.

Remember, in situations where a kitchen fire becomes unmanageable, always prioritize safety; property can be replaced, but lives cannot.

Want to Learn More?

We hope this guide and the linked articles gave you the tips you need to maintain safety while cooking.

If you are looking for more information, your local fire marshal is a useful resource. Call your nearest fire station to get the fire marshal's contact information. If you're not sure which fire station is closest to you, contact our Customer Service team at 206-217-0101, Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. and we will happily assist you.