Beware of This Most Common Cause of Kitchen Fires

Kitchen fires can happen to anyone, and they are more common than you might think.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, kitchen fires hit their peak at Thanksgiving and Christmas, when fire departments respond to almost 500 cooking fires every day. 

But what is the most common cause of kitchen fires in the Greensboro, Burlington, and Raleigh areas? In addition, what can you do to stay safe? 

As experts in the fire restoration business, we have seen firsthand the devastating impact of house fires throughout Guildford, Alamance, and Wake counties. 

We hope you don’t need fire restoration services, but if you do, we want you to know that our compassionate and professional employees will guide you through the insurance process. Make the right call — contact First Call.

Next, we’ll examine the most common causes of kitchen fires, how to put out a kitchen fire, and precautions you should always use when cooking. 

The Most Common Cause of Kitchen Fires

The most common cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking. 

It’s easy to get distracted while cooking, but a fire can start in just a matter of mere seconds. This can happen when you leave the stove or oven on and forget about it, or when you leave a pan on the stove and walk away. 

Even if you only leave the kitchen for a few minutes, it’s enough time for a fire to start.

The best way to prevent the most common cause of kitchen fires is to always stay in the kitchen while you’re cooking. If you need to leave the kitchen for any reason, turn off the stove or oven. 

It’s also a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of emergencies.

Other Causes of Kitchen Fires

While unattended cooking is the most common cause of kitchen fires, there are other common causes as well. These include:

Flammable materials

Keep flammable materials away from the stove, such as dish towels, curtains, and paper products. These can easily catch fire if they come into contact with the stove.

Grease

Grease is highly flammable and can easily catch fire if it gets too hot. Make sure to clean up any grease spills immediately and avoid leaving hot grease unattended on the stove.

Electrical appliances

Electrical appliances such as toasters, blenders, and microwaves can also cause kitchen fires. Make sure to unplug these appliances when they’re not in use and avoid using them near water.

Gas leaks

If you have a gas stove, make sure to check for gas leaks regularly. Gas leaks can lead to explosions and fires, so it’s important to address them immediately. If you smell gas, call your gas company or call 911 immediately.

Unintentionally turning on—or forgetting to turn off—cooking equipment

Be sure to double-check to be sure your stovetop or oven is completely turned off before you leave your home. Be aware that even when these cooking devices are turned off, they can still generate heat until they cool down. 

Precautions to Take to Prevent the Most Common Cause of Kitchen Fires

Preventing the common causes of kitchen fires requires a few simple precautions. These include:

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking.
• Keep flammable materials away from the stove.
• Clean up grease spills immediately.
• Unplug electrical appliances when they’re not in use.
• Check for gas leaks regularly.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

How to Extinguish a Kitchen Fire

If a kitchen fire does occur, it’s important to know how to extinguish it safely. Here are the steps to follow:

Turn off the heat source

If you notice a fire in your kitchen, the first thing you should do is turn off the heat source. This could mean turning off the stove, oven, or any other appliance that’s causing the fire.

Smother the flames

If the fire is small and contained, you can try to smother it using a lid or baking sheet. Simply place the lid over the pan or pot that’s on fire and turn off the heat. This will help to suffocate the flames and prevent them from spreading.

Use baking soda or salt

Baking soda or salt can also be used to extinguish a small kitchen fire. Simply sprinkle the powder over the flames, and it will help to smother them.

Use a fire extinguisher

If the fire is too big to handle with a lid, baking soda, or salt, it’s time to use a fire extinguisher. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen that is appropriate for grease or electrical fires, which are the most common types of kitchen fires.

Evacuate the area

If the fire is spreading and you’re unable to control it, it’s important to evacuate the area immediately. Call 911 and wait for the firefighters to arrive.

Knowing how to extinguish a kitchen fire can save lives and prevent property damage, whether you own a home in Burlington, or a restaurant in Greensboro, or need help with a school cafeteria in Raleigh. 

Remember to turn off the heat source, smother the flames, use baking soda or salt, or use a fire extinguisher when necessary. Stay safe in the kitchen!

If You Do Need Fire Restoration Services in Alamance, Guilford, or Wake Counties, First Call Is the Right Call

Home fires are devastating. But despite your best efforts at staying safe, a kitchen fire could break out. We hope you never experience a tragedy that calls for fire damage restoration services, but if you do, we want you to know that First Call is ready to help. 

We take care of documentation and work with the insurance company so you can avoid headaches and minimize stress.

We’re the leading fire restoration service in Burlington, Greensboro, Raleigh, Alamance, Guildford and Wake counties.  Contact us for a free estimate and discover why First Call is always the right call.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Home Fire Safety Plan

We’ve discussed the main sources of kitchen fires, and this brings to mind an important point:

Is your family prepared if a fire does occur in your home?

Whether it starts in the kitchen, the living room or attic, it’s crucial to have a plan in place before an emergency occurs. 

We’ll walk you through creating a home fire safety plan step by step, so you can feel confident and prepared with an effective strategy should a fire ever occur.

Why a Home Fire Safety Plan is Important

A home fire safety plan is crucial because it can save lives. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were 339,500 home fires in the United States in 2020, resulting in 2,620 deaths, 11,900 injuries, and $7.5 billion in property damage.

These numbers highlight the importance of protecting yourself, your family, and your home.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Fire Safety Plan for Your Home and Family

Step 1: Draw a Floor Plan of Your Home

The first step in creating a home fire safety plan is to draw a floor plan of your home. Identify all the rooms in your home, including bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas, and the kitchen. Label each room and indicate all possible exits, including doors and windows.

Step 2: Identify Escape Routes

Identify at least two escape routes from each room in your home. Make sure all escape routes are clear of obstacles and easily accessible. If you have a multi-story home, consider purchasing escape ladders for the upper levels.

Step 3: Determine a Meeting Place

Determine a meeting place outside of your home where everyone will gather in the event of a fire. This should be a safe distance from your home, such as a neighbor’s house or a designated spot in your yard. Make sure everyone in your household knows where the meeting place is located.

Step 4: Make Sure Smoke Alarms Are Installed

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every sleeping area. Test the smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year. Consider using a monitored smoke alarm system for added protection.

Step 5: Practice Your Plan

Practice your home fire safety plan at least twice a year with everyone in your household. Conduct drills at different times of the day and from different rooms in your home. Make sure everyone knows the escape routes and the meeting place. Review and update your plan regularly.

Remember that it is also important to practice fire safety throughout the year to minimize the chance of a disaster occurring.

First Call Is the Right Call If Your Home Has Fire Damage

We hope that you’ll never have a fire destroy your home. It’s a devastating and traumatic event. But we want you to know that in the unfortunate case that this does happen, we are there for you. Not only do we offer extensive fire restoration services throughout the Triangle, Greensboro and Burlington areas, but we work closely with your insurance company to help minimize stress.

At First Call, we understand the urgency and importance of restoring your property swiftly and efficiently. With our experienced team and cutting-edge techniques, we are equipped to handle any restoration challenge with precision and care.

Request an assessment and let our skilled professionals guide you through the process. See why our loyal customers will testify that First Call is the right call.