So maybe you're sautéing vegetables, or frying up some bacon for breakfast, and suddenly flames leap from the pan. It happens in a flash, and it’s terrifying. Kitchen fires can feel like something you only hear about happening to others – until it happens to you. The truth is, a kitchen fire is far more common than you might think … especially for Florida homeowners who spend a lot of time cooking.
Are you prepared if a fire breaks out in your kitchen? Knowing how to prevent and react to kitchen fires can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your family and home safe. In this blog post, we'll walk you through what to expect and how you can take control if things start to get out of hand.
How Common Are Kitchen Fires?
Kitchen fires are the leading cause of home fires throughout the country, causing an average of 158,400 home fires annually – nearly half of all home fires in a year. And the No. 1 reason for kitchen fires? It’s unattended cooking, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
What does this mean for Florida homeowners? With kitchen fires so prevalent, it’s essential to be mindful of your cooking habits and be prepared to act quickly if something goes wrong.
What Does Fire Need to Thrive?
Every fire, big or small, needs three things to keep going: heat, fuel, and oxygen. These elements are always present in the kitchen, making it a prime location for fires to ignite. Let’s break it down:
HEAT: Your stove, oven, microwave, and even toasters all generate heat. The hotter the appliance, the more likely a fire could start, especially if cooking is left unattended.
FUEL: Flammable items like oils, butter, and even common pantry items can act as fuel. Did you know flour dust can be explosive if it catches fire? Other common kitchen ingredients like sugar, milk, nondairy creamers, and fatty meats (such as bacon and pork) can catch fire more easily than you might expect.
OXYGEN: You can’t remove the oxygen from your kitchen, but by covering a fire with a metal lid or baking sheet, you can cut off its air supply and stop flames in their tracks.
Understanding how these elements work together can help you prevent fires from starting or spreading. If you control any of these three elements, you control the fire.
Why Grease Fires Are Tricky to Put Out
Grease fires are one of the most common types of kitchen fires – and also the hardest to extinguish. Here’s why: When oil gets too hot, it reaches a point where it ignites spontaneously. The most critical thing to remember is never use water to put out a grease fire. Water will only make the fire worse by causing the grease to splatter, spreading the flames even further.
So, what should you do if you face a grease fire? Here are your options:
- Turn off the heat: If it’s safe to do so, immediately switch off the stove or burner.
- Smother the flames: Use a metal lid or baking sheet to cover the pan. This cuts off the fire’s oxygen supply. You can also throw baking soda on the flames if they are small enough.
- Use a fire extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
Prevention Tips Every Home Cook Should Know
The best way to deal with a fire is to prevent it from starting in the first place. Here are some simple but effective tips to make your kitchen a safer space:
- Never leave the stove unattended: Whether you’re frying, grilling, or baking, always keep an eye on what’s cooking. Unattended cooking is the No. 1 cause of kitchen fires.
- Turn pot handles inward: This keeps them out of the reach of children and prevents you from accidentally knocking them off the stove.
- Keep flammable items away from the stove: This includes oven mitts and towels, which are safer kept as far away from the stove as possible.
- Have a lid ready: Keep a metal lid or baking sheet near your stove. If a fire starts, you’ll have something handy to cover the flames.
- Clean up grease: Grease buildup inside your oven, pots, or pans can ignite under the right circumstances. Make sure to regularly wipe all surfaces clean.
- Watch your clothing: Avoid wearing loose or flowing garments while cooking, as long sleeves can easily catch fire.
- Inspect appliance cords: Check for frayed cords or malfunctioning appliances, and replace or discard them if necessary.
- Test your smoke alarms: Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed near (but not inside) the kitchen, and test them regularly.
Get the Right Fire Extinguisher for Your Kitchen
There are two types of fire extinguishers ideal for use in the kitchen:
Class K extinguishers are specifically designed for kitchen fires, especially grease and oil fires, which are common in cooking environments. They use a special chemical agent to cool and smother flames without causing the fire to spread, unlike water-based extinguishers.
Multipurpose ABC extinguishers can also be useful in the kitchen. These fire extinguishers cover Class A fires (ordinary combustibles, like paper and wood), Class B fires (flammable liquids, like oil), and Class C fires (electrical fires).
Whichever type of fire extinguisher you get for the kitchen, make sure it’s easily accessible and you know how to use it. Remember the acronym PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
7 Common Kitchen Fire Scenarios & What to Do
If a fire does break out, knowing how to respond is crucial. Here’s what to do in some of the most common kitchen fire scenarios:
Scenario 1: Fire in the Oven
Keep the oven door closed and turn off the heat. The lack of oxygen inside the oven should smother the flames. Do not open the door – opening it can introduce more oxygen and make the fire worse. If the fire doesn’t die down quickly, use a fire extinguisher.
Scenario 2: Fire on the Stovetop
If a pan catches fire, turn off the burner and cover the pan with a metal lid or baking sheet. Never try to move the pan, as this can cause the fire to spread. If it’s too large to control, use a fire extinguisher and evacuate the area.
Scenario 3: Fire in the Microwave
Turn off the microwave and unplug it, if it’s safe to do so. Keep the microwave door closed to cut off the oxygen supply to the fire. If the fire continues or spreads, grab a fire extinguisher and call the fire department. Do not use the microwave again without having it inspected by a professional.
Scenario 4: Fire in the Air Fryer
Turn off the appliance immediately. Unplug it also, if you can do so safely. Use a fire extinguisher – never water – if the fire continues to burn.
Scenario 5: Fire in the Trash Can
Quickly smother the flames by dumping baking soda or salt into the trash can. If it’s safe, move the can outside to prevent the fire from spreading to cabinets or walls. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby to handle any flare-ups.
Scenario 6: Your Sleeve Catches Fire
If your sleeve catches fire, the most important thing to remember is don’t run – this will only fan the flames. Instead, think: Stop, drop, and roll. Drop to the ground and roll back and forth to smother the fire. If possible, have someone nearby douse the flames with a damp towel. After extinguishing the fire, seek medical attention for any burns.
Scenario 7: Flambé Gone Wrong
As long as it’s safe to do so, turn off the burner as soon as possible to stop feeding heat to the fire. Do not add water, as this can cause the flames to flare up. Use a metal lid or baking sheet to cover the pan and smother the fire, cutting off its oxygen supply. If the fire spreads, use a fire extinguisher to douse it.
Practice Kitchen Fire Safety to Protect Your Home
Kitchen fires are more common than many people realize, but knowing how to prevent them and what to do in an emergency can make all the difference. By staying alert, keeping flammable materials away from heat, and having a plan for extinguishing small fires, you can better protect your home and family.
And don’t forget – your home insurance should be up to date, so if the worst does happen, you’re covered. Contact your agent to ensure you have the right coverage in place or get a quote on the Edison Insurance Company website now. Stay safe and fire-smart!
