Hey, good lookin’, whatcha got cooking?
Cooking brings families together, but it also remains the leading cause of home fires in the United States. According to NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association), during 2017-2021, cooking caused an average of 158,400 reported home structure fires per year (44 percent of all reported home fires in the U.S.).
This month, we focus on how everyday kitchen surfaces can accumulate oils, grease, and heat—creating potential ignition risks—and what you can do to stop a fire before it starts.
Grease, Oils & the Fire Triangle
Grease, oils, and fats act as fuel in the fire triangle (fuel + heat + oxygen). Surfaces near the stovetop—counters, cabinets, range hoods—can accumulate these residues. Keeping them clean reduces the fuel load available to ignite.
Preventing Grease Fires
• Never heat oil past its smoke point.
• Keep a thermometer available for frying.
• Avoid splattering by using lids and keeping food dry—especially thawed frozen foods.
• Clean splatter as it occurs; residual grease is fuel.
• Keep combustibles (towels, packaging, utensils) at least 3 feet from the stove. This NFPA guideline aligns with cooking-area clearance recommendations.
• Never use water on a grease fire—it causes explosive flare-ups.
If a grease fire starts:
• Turn off the burner.
• Cover the pan with a lid to smother the flames.
• Allow the pan to cool completely.
• Ventilate your kitchen afterward.
• Use a fire extinguisher only if needed.
• Call 911 immediately
Range Hoods:
Range hoods reduce smoke, grease, and particulates. Correct installation directly affects fire safety and ventilation effectiveness. Clean or change the filter regularly to prevent grease buildup.
Conventional Gas Stove & Electric Stove Safety
Watch oil temperatures. Different cooking oils begin to smoke between ~350°F and 520°F, depending on type. Smoking oil is already breaking down and can reach its ignition temperature if heating continues. Cooking oils can auto-ignite between 750°F and 815°F, so once you see smoke, reduce heat immediately.
Electric cooktops remain hot longer after being turned off, which increases ignition risk. Use a Class C or multi-purpose ABC extinguisher for electrical fires. NFPA identifies Class C extinguishers as safe for energized equipment because they use non-conductive agents.
Plug appliances directly into wall outlets—avoid extension cords to prevent circuit overload. Inspect outlets, cords, and appliance plugs regularly and replace damaged components immediately.
Cleaning Tips:
• Glass stovetops: Use baking soda and a damp cloth to soak and loosen the build-up prior to scraping it off.
• Coil burners: Remove and scrub the drip pans and coils with dish soap. It may be necessary to replace the drip pans if you are unable to remove debris.
• Gas burners: Soak and scrub the grates in soapy water. You can also use vinegar and water to scrub the cooktop or a toothbrush with dish soap.
• Most ovens, whether gas or electric, have a self-cleaning option, and if not, there are many different cleaning supplies that can be purchased.
Safe cooking helps ensure that the only thing leaving your kitchen is good food and happy memories.
Bon appétit!