Cooking Fires

Cooking fires remain the number 1 cause of fires throughout the U.S. The same holds true in Minnesota where 74% of all structure fires are in residential homes; 45% of those fires are caused by cooking.

Safety Tips for Cooking
  • Do not leave the kitchen while food is on the stove top.
  • Continuously check items baking in the oven.
  • Don’t cook if you are sleepy, been drinking excessively or have taken medication that makes you drowsy.
  • Keep all combustibles away from your stove top.
  • Wipe spills and clean your oven. Built up grease and food can catch fire.
  • Turn pot handles in so you can’t bump them or be grabbed by curious kids.
  • Open microwave food slowly and let it cool before eating. Remember it may be cool on the outside but very hot inside.
  • Don’t wear loose clothing or reach across a hot surface.
  • Keep kids and pets out of the kitchen when cooking.
Prevent Burns
  • Have baking mitts and pot holders available to handle warm pots, pans and utensils.
  • Make sure the oven mitt or pot holder is not damp. It could produce a scalding steam when it comes in contact with a hot surface.
  • Make sure the mitt or pot holder doesn’t have holes that could expose your skin.
Cooking Fires, What To Do
Grease Fire
  • If a pan of food catches fire prevent flare ups by leaving the pan covered until it is completely cool.
  • Do not throw water on the fire! This could splatter the burning grease and spread the fire.
  • Carefully cover the fire with a lid by sliding it on the pan. Turn off the heat source and let it cool completely before trying to handle it.
  • Use a fire extinguisher very carefully and don’t get too close to the fire. The powder is discharged under pressure and may spread the fire if it is used too close.
  • Report the fire even if you think you have it extinguished. There will be plenty of smoke form the fire that will need to be removed.
  • Evacuate the house as soon as your safety is compromised.
Oven Fires
  • Turn off the heat and leave the oven door closed.
  • Report the fire immediately.
  • If there is anything combustible close to the oven, relocate it if it is safe to do so.
  • Evacuate the house as soon as your safety is compromised.
  • Have the appliance serviced before reusing it.
Microwave Fires
  • Keep the door closed and unplug the microwave.
  • Report the fire right away.
  • Evacuate the house as soon as your safety is compromised.
  • Have the appliance serviced before reusing it.
Most cooking fires are caused by people leaving the food unattended or forgetting about it.