Kitchen fires can happen in seconds and most of them are completely preventable. Cooking remains the leading cause of home fires in Canada, with nearly 20% of all residential fires starting in the kitchen. According to NFPA, 47% of home fires in the U.S. are caused by cooking equipment, resulting in thousands of injuries and significant property loss each year.

If you want a safer home, start with your kitchen. Below are the 8 best fire safety tips to reduce risks, prevent hazards, and cook confidently.

Why Kitchen Fire Safety Matters

Your kitchen contains everything a fire needs to spread heat, grease, fuel, and flammable materials. One small mistake can ignite a dangerous situation. But with awareness and safe habits, kitchen fires are one of the easiest types of household fires to prevent.

8 Essential Fire Safety Tips for Your Kitchen

1. Keep Flammable Items Away From the Stove

Items like:

• Kitchen towels
   
• Paper towels
   
• Oven mitts
   
• Food packaging
   
• Wooden utensils
   

can ignite instantly when placed too close to heat.

Keep a safe distance at least one arm’s length from the stovetop.

2. Never Leave Cooking Unattended

Unattended cooking is the number one cause of kitchen fires.

Stay nearby, even if you’re simmering, boiling, or baking.
Need to leave the kitchen? Turn off the stove first.

Setting a timer can help prevent distractions from turning dangerous.

3. Keep Your Cooking Appliances Clean

Built-up grease is one of the most common fire starters. A dirty stove or oven can ignite surprisingly fast.

Make it routine to clean:

• Stovetop surfaces
   
• Oven interiors
   
• Drip trays
   
• Range hoods
   

Clean kitchen = safer kitchen.

4. Dress Appropriately While Cooking

Loose sleeves, scarves, or oversized shirts can catch fire when reaching over burners.
Choose:

• Fitted clothing
   
• Short sleeves
   
• Aprons
   

Safety first even in fashion.

5. Keep a Fire Extinguisher in Your Kitchen

Every home should have a fire extinguisher nearby and ready.
In case of a small fire, the extinguisher becomes your first line of defense.

Learn the P.A.S.S. method:
Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

If you need inspection or servicing: Fire Extinguisher Inspection

6. Don’t Cook If You’re Sleepy, Tired, or Impaired

If you're:

• Exhausted
   
• Under medication
   
• Drinking alcohol
   
• Distracted or unwell
   

your judgment and reaction time weaken greatly increasing fire risk.

Cooking safely requires full attention.

7. Know What to Do if Your Oven Catches Fire

If your oven catches fire:

• Do NOT open the door.
   
• Turn off the oven immediately.
   
• Keep the door closed to smother the flames.
   

Opening the door can feed oxygen to the fire, causing it to spread rapidly.

8. Install a Smoke Alarm Near the Kitchen

Always have a working smoke alarm installed close to but not inside the kitchen.
Using photoelectric smoke alarms can reduce false alarms while providing early warning for smouldering fires.

Need installation or inspection?➡️ Smoke Alarm Services

Also check:➡️ How to Maintain Your Fire Alarm

Additional Fire Safety Tips for Homeowners

• Teach family members basic fire response techniques.
   
• Keep pot handles turned inward to prevent accidental tipping.
   
• Store oils, cooking sprays, and flammable liquids safely.
   

Preparing ahead of time can prevent accidents later.

Conclusion

Kitchen fires can be dangerous, but they’re also some of the easiest to prevent. By staying attentive, practicing safe habits, and keeping the right equipment on hand, you can create a safer home and reduce the chance of fire dramatically.

Smart habits save homes. Start today cook safely and stay protected.