The U.S. Fire Administration — an agency of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, reports that in 2021, fire departments responded to an estimated 170,000 cooking fires, which caused 135 deaths, 3,000 injuries and more than $494 million in property loss.

This data is why The National Fire Protection Association in July announced the official theme for Fire Prevention Week 2023 is “Cooking safety starts with you! Pay attention to fire prevention.” Fire Prevention Week is October 8-14.

According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires, with nearly half of all home fires involving cooking equipment; cooking is also the leading cause of home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires and related deaths. In addition, NFPA data shows that cooking is the only major cause of fire that resulted in more fires and fire deaths in 2014-2018 than in 1980-1984.

The goal of Fire Prevention Week is to raise fire safety awareness and help protect homes and families, states First Alert. First Alert is among the top brands of fire and carbon monoxide products, including fire and smoke alarms and detectors.

In 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) named the second week of October Fire Prevention Week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.

Preventing cooking fires and minimizing the risks of a cooking fire requires just a bit of care and consideration to prevent fires.

The NFPA provides a quick overview of suggestions regarding home cooking safety:

– 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, boiling, or broiling food.

– If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen 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 stove top.

The NFPA also offers suggestions on what to do in the event of 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.

– If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.

– Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

– For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

Safety considerations for cooking with oil:

– Always stay in the kitchen when frying on the stovetop.

– Keep an eye on what you fry. If you see wisps of smoke or the oil smells, immediately turn off the burner and/or carefully remove the pan from the burner. Smoke is a danger sign that the oil is too hot.

– Heat the oil slowly to the temperature you need for frying or sautéing.

– Add food gently to the pot or pan so the oil does not splatter.

– Always cook with a lid beside your pan. If you have a fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time. Never throw water on the fire.

– If the fire does not go out or you don’t feel comfortable sliding a lid over the pan, get everyone out of your home. Call the fire department from outside.

Additionally, everyone, whether homeowner or renter, should ensure there are adequate fire and smoke detectors throughout the home or apartment.

“They work around the clock to provide your family with an early alert in the event of an emergency, helping to give you time to safely escape,” states First Alert. “Smoke and CO alarms should be installed on every level of the home, including the basement, as well as inside and outside each bedroom for whole home protection. Maintain alarms by testing them regularly, changing the batteries every 6 months and replacing alarms at least every 10 years.”

First Alert also advises keeping fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers help stop small fires from causing more damage and should be kept easily accessible on every level of the home, especially in the kitchen and garage.

— The Mining Gazette, Houghton