Kitchen Fire Safety

Kitchen fires may seem minor to some people given the fact that on almost any day you can watch the news and see a large fire burning in America somewhere. Or, you can turn on the news and find out that someone, or a family, has died in a house fire.

Here are a few statistics from the latest data about fires in America from 2006.

• There were 3,245 civilians that lost their lives as the result of fire.


• There were 16,400 civilian injuries that occurred as the result of fire.


• There were 106 firefighters killed while on duty.


• Fire killed more Americans than all natural disasters combined.


• 81 percent of all civilian fire deaths occurred in residences.


• 1.6 million fires were reported. Many others went unreported, causing additional injuries and property loss.


• Direct property loss due to fires was estimated at $11.3 billion.


• An estimated 31,000 intentionally set structure fires resulted in 305 civilian deaths.


• Intentionally set structure fires resulted in an estimated $755 million in property damage.

Source: National Fire Protection Association Fire Loss in the U.S. During 2006 and USFA's Firefighter Fatalities in the United States in 2006.

The statistics above from 2006 show the magnitude of the fire problem in America. However, they really don't show details about cooking related fires.

The latest statistics from the National Fire Protection Administration give us more details into the kitchen fire and cooking fire problem.

• In 2005, an estimated 146,400 U.S. home structure fires involving cooking equipment resulted in 480 civilian deaths, 4,690 civilian injuries, and $876 million in direct property damage.


• Ranges, with or without ovens, account for two-thirds (67%) of total reported confined or nonconfined
  home structure fires involving cooking equipment and even larger shares of associated civilian deaths (85%) and civilian injuries (82%).


• Portable cooking or warming devices had the
  third largest share of home cooking fires but the second largest share of associated civilian
  deaths.

Read the full N.F.P.A. report

The problem is huge. But, with some simple knowledge and precautions, you can reduce the chance of having a cooking related fire in your kitchen. This is the purpose of this lens. Please continue reading for kitchen fire safety tips.

One of the most important tips for fire safety in the home is to have a working smoke detector. Many fire related deaths in the United States, and I'm sure abroad, can be attributed to the home not having a working smoke detector.

Many agencies will often provide a free smoke detector to those who can't afford one. If you are wondering, please check with your local fire department or public safety agency.

The next kitchen fire safety tip is to have a fire extinguisher. There are many types and brands that can be purchased at your local store. The recommended type for the kitchen is an approved "ABC" dry chemical extinguisher.

The "ABC" extinguisher is one of the most readily available extinguishers, and is designed for use in the kitchen and general areas throughout your home.

You want to have this extinguisher in an area that is quickly accessible in case you need it. Please watch the video below for a demonstration on how to use extinguishers properly.

Most fire extinguishers can be purchased for under $20 U.S. in most home good stores, such as Home Depot, WalMart and other similar stores.

Here are several other kitchen fire safety tips:

• Baking soda is an effective extinguishing agent for grease fires. Never use water on a grease fire as it will spread the fire by splashing burning grease


• Never leave a stove on while unattended. Always remain in the kitchen while the burners are on.


• Make sure your pot handles are turned inwards to avoid accidentally bumping them, causing hot liquids to spill. This also will help prevent children from grabbing the pots and pulling them down on themselves, resulting in serious burns.


• Keep flammable materials, such as bags or papers, away from the stove top at all times.


• Keep your stove top and oven clean. Grease and other food accumulations can catch fire.


• If you have a fire in a pot, don't try and remove it as you could get burned. Cover the pot with a lid or other non-combustible cover, and turn off the burner. Once it has cooled, you can then remove the pot.

One of the most important and live saving tips is that if you are not able to quickly or effectively extinguish the fire, exit the home immediately. Call your fire department to respond. Your life is worth more than anything else.