Cooking Fire Statistics
Based on 2017-2021 annual averages:
- Two-thirds of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.
- Clothing is the item first ignited in less than 1% of home cooking fires, but clothing ignitions caused 8% of the home cooking fire deaths.
- Ranges or cooktops account for over half (53%) of home cooking fire incidents.
- Unattended equipment is a factor in over one quarter (29%) of reported home cooking fires and half of the associated deaths.
- Stats NFPA Research
If you have 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.