Kitchen Fires

Fires originate in the kitchen more often than any other room of the house, and a large number of  injuries are caused by improper reaction to kitchen fires.

The most frequent causes for kitchen fires are:

  • Grease ignited within unattended pans.
  • Combustibles too close to cooking facilities.
  • Excess grease on and around cooking facilities.
  • Faulty kitchen appliances, such as toasters, can openers, etc.,

Extinguishing Grease Fires Within A Pan

  • In the event of a grease fire within a pan, first turn off the heat source. Do not run with the pan of burning grease or throw water or flour on the fire.
  • Use another pan to cover the pan of grease that is burning.
  • Baking soda may be used to cover the burning grease. The baking soda should not be stored over or adjacent to the stove.
  • Use a proper, readily available fire extinguisher to fight the fire with a dry chemical or CO2.

Extinguishing Grease Fires Outside a Pan

  • Should a grease fire occur outside of a pan, first turn off the heat source.
  • Avoid throwing water or flour onto the fire, instead use baking soda or a proper fire extinguisher.

Extinguishing Oven Fires

  • First, turn off the heat source.
  • Close the oven door and leave it closed. If the fire does not go out, use baking soda or a proper fire extinguisher.

Extinguishing Combustibles Ignited By Cooking Facilities

  • Use a readily available, proper fire extinguisher.
  • Do not try to remove the burning material until the fire has been extinguished.
  • Even if you are able to extinguish a kitchen fire on your own, call the Fire Department as they can assist with clean up and smoke removal.

More Information

See more information on preventing kitchen fires or

According to the United States Fire Administration there are over one million fires each year that occur in the home. These fires amount to thousands of deaths and injuries every year. However, many fires happen due to accident and negligence. These are fires that can be avoided with common sense and attention to detail.

Fire Alarm

Being prepared is one of the biggest things is creating a family fire safety plan. This would be utilized in the event of a fire so that all family members know what to do and where to go. In addition, in the event of a fire it is important to realize that the air will be filled with smoke and breathing this air will be a danger. In addition to the dangers of fire, one of the leading causes of death in a fire is from inhaling smoke.

To assist families in being safe in a fire, and more importantly to prevent fires, we have put together the following resources. Please feel free to use this information to keep your family safe. Also, share the information with others who can benefit from this page. And, most importantly – stay safe!