Kitchen Safety

In 2022-2023, cooking appliances accounted for 34% of all accidental house fires with cooking being the cause of 15 per cent of all non-fatal fire injuries.

Many fires could be avoided if safe storage and cooking practices are followed in the kitchen, as 18 per cent of these fires were caused by items being left too close to a source of heat, for example packaging, boxes, food containers or tea-towels.

*Data collected from BFRS incidents in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, recorded between 01 April 2022 and 31 March 2023.

What NOT To Do

Do not leave cooking unattended
Do not store items on the hob even when it is not being used for cooking
Do not cook whilst wearing loose items of clothing such as scarves or trailing sleeves as they could catch fire
Do not leave children or vulnerable adults alone in the kitchen
Do not use matches or lighters to light gas cookers – spark devices are safer
Do not put anything that is made of metal or is metallic into a microwave
Do not use appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers or dishwashers overnight
Do not try to cook while under the influence of medication, drugs or alcohol

What TO Do

Switch off the oven and hob when you have finished cooking or when you leave the kitchen
Keep electrical leads, tea towels, dishcloths and other items which could catch fire away from the cooker or hob
Keep the oven, hob, toaster and grill clean – a build-up of fat, crumbs or grease can catch fire
Ensure you have working smoke alarms on each level of your home and test them every month
Consider requesting a Home Fire Safety Visit to review fire precautions within your home and receive additional advice and guidance