Distracted Cooking: A Hidden Fire Hazard in the Home
Cooking is the leading cause of accidental fires across the province. According to a report by the Office of the Fire Marshall, 73% of all reported structure fires occurred in residential buildings (2014-2023). Cooking-related activity was the most common source of ignition identified, causing an average of 1147 structure fires per year. The London Fire Department alone responded to 403 cooking fires in the first half of this year.
Life is full of interruptions: smartphones, kids, work-from-home demands, and these distractions often pull us away from the stove. High-risk scenarios include deep frying, cooking with oil, and using high heat settings. Fires can start in seconds, and once flames spread beyond the pan, they can engulf a kitchen rapidly. We should all be familiar with the phrase “Look while you cook!”
Recommendations include:
- Keep kids and pets away from kitchens while cooking
- Never store items on the stovetop
- Keep flammable items (including loose-fitting clothing) away from heat
- Avoid distractions, and use timers or alarms as reminders
- Do not cook while sleepy or otherwise impaired
- Ensure that smoke and CO alarms are properly installed in your home
- Have a working fire extinguisher nearby
There are specialized devices that can detect dangerous stovetop conditions, emitting an audible alarm, with options to automatically shut off power to the appliance. These are typically used in situations where there is a higher risk or vulnerable occupants; care facilities, independent living units and college dormitories, but may have wider applications.
If a fire does occur, the first consideration should be to get to safety and call 911. When tackling a small kitchen fire, remember not to use water on a grease fire. Flames from burning oil in a small pot or pan are best smothered with a tight-fitting lid, turning off the heat source, and leaving it to cool. While technology and awareness campaigns are helping reduce the number of cooking-related fires, the responsibility ultimately lies with each of us. Staying alert in the kitchen and following simple safety steps can prevent tragedy and protect what matters most—our homes and loved ones. Fire safety starts with attention.
