06/27/2026
The kitchen is a high-risk zone when it comes to residential fires. In fact, cooking fires are the number one cause of fires and fire-related injury in the home. With some simple precautions, you can keep yourself and your family safe.
Remember: kitchen fire can spread rapidly. Call 911 if you have difficulty
BEFORE COOKING
Make sure the stove top is clean and free of any grease that might catch fire.
Make sure that any flammable items -- such as dish towels, curtains, food packaging or cloth pot holders -- are at least three feet away from any heat source.
Check the oven before you begin using it to ensure there is nothing inside that could catch fire.
WHEN COOKING
Never leave the stove or oven unattended. Stay in the room. Keep a close eye on items that are frying, boiling, broiling, etc.
Never, and we mean never, try to put out a grease fire with water.
Keep a baking sheet or pot lid handy to smother any fire that might flare up in a pot or pan.
If a fire starts in the oven, turn the oven off and do not open the door.
Set a timer if you are baking or simmering to remind yourself to check the item frequently.
Wear Safe Clothing. Avoid loose clothing that can inadvertently come in contact with the stove.
Face Pot Handles Inward. Always turn pot handles toward the back of the stove for safety, especially when children are present.
Make sure a fire extinguisher is accessible to you when cooking. That means storing it away from the stove so you can get to it if a stove fire occurs.