Last weekend there were two home fires that started in the kitchen. Fortunately there were no injuries but the estimated property loss was over $100,000. Cooking-related fires are the main cause of home fires across the country. According to the US Fire Administration, there were over 178,000 residential building cooking fires in 2022.
How to stay safe:
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking
- Use a timer when cooking to remind you that the stove is on
- Keep the stove area clean and and clear of all objects
- Keep a lid or cookie sheet near the stove in case of fire
If there is a fire:
- Never pour water on a grease or oil fire
- The best way to put out a small pan fire:
- Slide a lid or cookie sheet over the pot or pan
- Turn the burner off
- Do not move a burning pan
- Remove the lid only after the fire is out and the pan is cooled off
- If the fire is large and/or has spread to other items, get out quickly and if possible, close the door behind to prevent fire from spreading to other rooms
- Call 9-1-1 after you’ve left the house or apartment unit and are in a safe place