Cooking Fires
Cooking fires are the number one cause of home & university fires and fire related injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. It’s important to be alert to prevent cooking fires.
An estimated 3,800 university housing fires occur each year in the United States. Eighty-Five percent (85%) of college/university housing fires are cooking fires. College/University housing fires occur most frequently in the late summer and fall, peaking in September. Fires in September, October, and November account for over 30% of all fires throughout the year.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports an increase in dormitory and university housing fires in recent years. Students bring more items from home to make their college stays more comfortable, including high-powered electronic equipment and appliances.
The CPSC reported that fires are more common during the evening hours and weekends when most students are in the residence halls. Most of the fires are cooking-related (hot plates, micro-waves, portable grills, etc.)
Cooking Safety Tips
- Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.
- Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
- If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
- Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.
If you have a cooking fire
- Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
- Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
- For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
U.S. Fire Administration - Cooking Safety Videos
- Keep Things Away from Heat (1:32)
- Keep Kids Away from Cooking Areas (1:30)
- Prevent Scalds and Burns (1:57)
- Watch What You Heat (1:40)
- Know What to Do if There is a Fire (1:38)
REFERENCES:
National Fire Protection Association
