Kitchen Fire Safety

Kitchen habits that help

From the guide’s own habits. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.

• Stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, broiling or boiling, and use a timer for anything that simmers or bakes.
• Keep a lid or baking sheet next to the stove whenever you cook with oil.
• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so they can’t be bumped or pulled down.
• Keep towels, paper, oven mitts and packaging well away from burners.
• Heat oil slowly, and turn the heat down at the first sign of smoke.
• Wipe up grease and clean the stovetop, oven and range hood filter regularly so buildup can’t catch fire.
• Keep kids and pets about three feet away from the stove while cooking.
• Know where the fire extinguisher is and how to use it.

All done. Stay with your pan and enjoy the meal.

A few things to avoid

• Please don’t leave the stove on when you leave the kitchen, step outside or lie down, even for a moment.
• Please don’t ever pour water on a grease fire or try to carry a burning pan outside.
• Please don’t cook in loose, flowing sleeves, or when you are very sleepy.
• Please don’t store things in the oven or on the stovetop, where they can be forgotten when it is turned on.

Keep a lid that fits your frying pan on the counter right beside it every time you cook with oil. If anything flares up, you won’t have to search for it.

If a fire starts while cooking

1. Stay calm. If the fire is small and in a pan, turn off the burner right away.
2. Slide a lid or baking sheet over the pan to smother it, and leave it covered until fully cool.
3. For an oven or microwave fire, turn it off and keep the door closed until the fire goes out.
4. If the fire is spreading, or you are unsure, get everyone out, close the door behind you, and call 911 from outside.
5. Never go back inside for belongings. Wait for the fire department to say it is safe.
6. Once everyone is safe, share what happened in writing so the kitchen can be checked and anything damaged can be repaired.

Cooking oil usually starts to smoke before it can catch fire. If you see smoke, turn the heat down or off and move the pan off the burner.

Using an extinguisher: PASS

Stand back about six to eight feet, or follow the distance on the label.

1. Pull the pin.
2. Aim at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze the handle.
4. Sweep side to side.

Use an extinguisher only on a small, contained fire, with everyone else out and a clear exit behind you. If it doesn’t go out quickly, leave and call 911.

Before anyone moves in

From the guide’s list for preparing the kitchen. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.

• Provide a working fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen, mounted where it is easy to reach and not right next to the stove.
• Make sure a working smoke alarm is nearby, placed so it is not set off by everyday cooking.
• Check that the range hood fan, light and filter are clean and working.
• Inspect stove burners, knobs and oven doors, and repair anything that sticks or doesn’t turn off fully.
• Share kindly where the extinguisher is and how to use it.
• Check the extinguisher gauge regularly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for service or replacement.

All done. The kitchen is ready for safe cooking.

After a kitchen fire

• Make sure everyone is safe and cared for first. Kindness matters most in a stressful moment.
• Replace or recharge any extinguisher that was used, even partly.
• Have the stove, hood, outlets and nearby wiring checked before the kitchen is used again.
• Check and test nearby smoke alarms, since smoke can affect them.
• Keep photos, notes and invoices of the damage and repairs.
• Talk together, gently and without blame, about what happened and how to help prevent it next time.

Mount the extinguisher near the kitchen exit rather than right beside the stove. That way you can reach it while moving away from the fire, not toward it.

A few more helpful habits

• Thaw before you fry. Ice and water on frozen food can make hot oil splatter or boil over. Thaw and pat food dry before adding it to oil.
• If clothing catches fire. Stop, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll until the fire is out. Then cool the burn with water and get help.
• Treating minor burns. Cool a minor burn under cool, not icy, running water for several minutes. For burns that are large, deep or on the face or hands, please seek medical care.
• Smoke alarms and cooking. If cooking sets off an alarm, open a window and fan the air rather than removing the battery. If it happens often, ask about moving the alarm.

Guides that go well with this one

• Home Fire Escape Plans
• Smoke and CO Alarm Guide
• Oven and Stove Care
• Outdoor Grilling Safety
• Electrical Safety at Home

Helpful resources

U.S. Fire Administration: Cooking Fire Safety and NFPA: Safety with Cooking Equipment. Your local fire department can help with questions about the rules where your home is.