HOMELIFE

March 2024

More fires and fire injuries are caused by accidental activities in the kitchen than anywhere else in the home.

In the year ending March 2023, the Fire and Rescue Services reported cooking appliances were responsible for 44% of accidental fires at home.


When cooking in your kitchen, please remember to:

  • Keep the oven, hob, cooker hood, and grill clean and in good working order, as build-ups of fat and grease can catch fire
  • check toasters are clean and not placed under kitchen cabinets or close to anything that can catch fire. Regularly clear the crumb tray, and try also to use them according to instructions
  • never leave pans unattended when cooking
  • never cook if you’re tired or have been drinking alcohol or taking medication that makes you drowsy
  • always use microwaves safely. Don’t put anything metal in them or cover vents or grills
  • always supervise children (and pets) in the kitchen. Put matches away and keep saucepan handles out of their reach
  • make sure pan handles don't stick out, because they can get knocked off the stove
  • take care if you’re wearing loose clothing, as this can catch fire or snag on hot pans and pull them off the hob
  • keep electrical leads, tea towels, clothing, paper, curtains and other items away from the cooking area
  • check you’ve turned off the cooker when you’ve finished cooking
  • use spark devices to light gas cookers as they are safer than matches or lighters

If a pan catches fire:

  • don’t tackle the fire yourself
  • don't try to move the pan
  • never throw water onto the pan as this can create a fireball
  • turn off the heat but only If you can do so safely
  • leave the room and close the door
  • shout to warn others and call 999

When frying food in oil:

  • take care when cooking with oil/fat as it catches fire easily
  • make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil/fat
  • if the oil/fat starts to smoke, it’s too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool
  • never fill a pan more than one third full of fat or oil
  • don’t use chip pans. Try shallow frying or use a thermostat controlled, electric deep fat fryer, as these can’t overheat

For more information on cooking fire safety, please read our Fire Safety Information Booklet (PDF).