Cooking is the number one cause of home fires and fire injuries.

As we approach the holiday season, our kitchens become the heart of our homes. They are often filled with family, friends, and holiday cooking. But with all that activity comes an increased risk of fire. In fact, Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for cooking fires across the country. 

Most of these fires are preventable with a few simple habits and a tidy cooking space. South Metro Fire Rescue encourages everyone to take a few moments to review these kitchen safety tips to keep your family safe. 

Tips for Kitchen Safety: 

• Staying in the kitchen and staying focused on your tasks is the best way to prevent a potentially devastating kitchen fire. If you need to leave—even for a short time—turn off the stove.
• Keep your cooking area clutter-free. Store items like towels, paper, plastic, and packaging away from the stove and oven. 
• Keep handles turned inward. Prevent burns and spills by turning pot handles toward the back of the stove.
• Watch what you heat. Oil and grease can ignite quickly; never leave them unattended.
• Keep a lid nearby. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Never use water on a grease fire!
• Clean regularly. Built-up grease on stovetops, ovens, and range hoods can catch fire.

Only cookware belongs on the stove. Keep anything flammable away from the stove top.

Reduce your risk of fire by keeping your stove top clutter-free.

Forgotten items can ignite if the oven is turned on. Keep your Oven clutter-free.

 KIDS SAFETY - Keep kids at least 3 feet away from the stove and hot food. A “kid-free zone” helps prevent burns and distractions while you cook.

Think Before You Fry — Keep Your Thanksgiving Fire-Free!

Deep-fried turkeys are delicious, but they’re also one of the leading causes of Thanksgiving Day fires. Hot oil, open flames, and large birds can be a dangerous mix if not handled carefully. If you would like to enjoy a deep-fried turkey this year, please consider purchasing one cooked by professionals. 

If a fire starts: 

• Oven fire: Keep the door closed and turn off the heat.
• Microwave fire: Turn off the microwave and keep the door closed until the fire is out.
• Grease fire: Smother with a lid or use a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires (Class K or ABC).
• Never try to move a burning pan. You could spill hot grease and spread the fire.
• If the fire spreads or you feel unsafe—get out and call 911.

Be Prepared: 

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen—and make sure everyone in the household knows how to use it (remember: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
• Have an escape plan and practice it with your family at least twice a year.

A safe kitchen is the heart of a safe home. Take a moment this week to check your smoke alarms, clear your counters, and remind your family about fire safety. Preventing one small fire protects everyone you love.

Remember: if a fire starts and you don’t feel safe, get out and call 911. We’ll take it from there.