May 12, 2025
Olympia- The kitchen is a central gathering place in many homes, fostering connection and shared experiences. However, it is also one of the leading sources of residential fires. Most kitchen fires are preventable. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA,) unattended equipment is a factor in over one quarter (29%) of reported home cooking fires and half of the associated deaths. Washington State fire agencies reported responding to over 700 structure fires with the kitchen being the area of ignition in 2024, resulting in over $14 million in loss. By following established safety practices, residents can significantly reduce the likelihood of fire-related emergencies in their homes.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends the following safety tips to promote cooking fire safety:
• Stand by your pan- remain in the kitchen while food is cooking.
• Do not leave hot cooking equipment unattended.
• Keep combustible materials away from stovetops and other heat sources.
• Ensure your home is equipped with functional smoke alarms.
• Maintain a fire extinguisher in an accessible location and be familiar with its operation.
• Regularly clean stovetops to prevent grease buildup.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing near open flames or hot surfaces.
• Establish a safety zone away from the cooking area to keep children and pets out of harm’s way.
• Never place aluminum foil or metal objects in a microwave.
• If a fire cannot be extinguished safely, evacuate immediately and contact emergency services by calling 911.
If you’d like more information on safe cooking practices, click here.
For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at (360) 596-3904.
###