Cooking Fire Safety

The #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries

Cooking Fire Facts

  • • Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries.
  • • Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires.
  • • Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires.
  • • Two-thirds of home cooking fires start with ignition of food or cooking materials.

Prevention Tips

  • Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, broiling, or boiling food.
  • If you must leave the kitchen, even briefly, turn off the stove.
  • Keep flammable items away from the stovetop—oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, and curtains.
  • Turn pot handles inward so they can't be bumped or grabbed by children.
  • Keep a lid nearby when cooking to smother small grease fires.
  • Create a kid-free zone of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared.

If a Cooking Fire Starts

Grease Fire

  • • Never use water on a grease fire—it will cause the fire to explode.
  • • Slide a lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
  • • Leave the lid in place until the pan is completely cool.
  • • If you can't safely put a lid on it, use a fire extinguisher.

Oven Fire

  • • Turn off the oven.
  • • Keep the oven door closed.
  • • The lack of oxygen will help put out the fire.
  • • If the fire doesn't go out, call 911.

Microwave Fire

  • • Turn off the microwave immediately.
  • • Keep the door closed.
  • • Unplug the microwave if you can safely do so.
  • • Don't open the door until the fire is out.

When in Doubt

  • • Get everyone out of the home.
  • • Close the door behind you.
  • • Call 911 from outside.
  • • Never go back inside for anything.

Deep Frying Safety

Turkey fryers and deep frying require extra caution:

  • Always use turkey fryers outdoors, away from buildings and combustibles.
  • Never overfill with oil—measure the correct amount before heating.
  • Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry before lowering into oil.
  • Never leave the fryer unattended and keep children and pets away.
  • Have a fire extinguisher nearby (Class B for grease fires).
← Back to Safety Resources

Content source: National Fire Protection Association