Kitchen fires are one of the biggest dangers to home safety, leading to loss of life and severe property damage for many homeowners and renters each year.
At CopperSmith, we’ve put together three key takeaways plus 15 kitchen fire statistics that not only highlight the gravity of the issue but also reveal preventative measures that can help protect you and your family.
Let’s get started.
Key Takeaways
1. Cooking causes nearly half of house fires
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking activities are the primary cause of home structure fires, responsible for 44% of reported residential fires in America.
In 2022, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 178,600 cooking fires in residential buildings. This number was more than five times as high as the other leading causes of house fire outbreaks:
- 34,800 heating fires
- 33,000 other unintentional, careless fires
- 26,100 electrical malfunction fires
The high incidence of cooking fires can be attributed to the routine nature of cooking, where the use of high temperatures, temptation to leave cooking unattended, and the proximity of flammable materials can lead to higher risk of cooking fires.
2. Kitchen fires are still a leading cause of fatalities
The average number of residential fire deaths have dropped over the past four decades, from 4,830 annually from 1980-1984 to 2,610 annually from 2017-2021.
Meanwhile, the average number of kitchen fire deaths per year has seen a slower decline, from 500 annually in the early 1980s to just 30 fewer deaths in more recent years. However, kitchen fire deaths are trending downward and will likely continue to decrease. In 2021, reported cooking fires were at their lowest in 16 years.
The 470 fatalities attributed to kitchen fires each year represents one in five or 18% of home fire deaths.
Many of these deaths result from severe burns and smoke inhalation. The combination of flammable cooking oils, high heat, and the close proximity of kitchen appliances can quickly turn a small flame into a devastating blaze.
Meanwhile, it’s the leading cause of home fire injuries at 42%, resulting in an estimated 4,150 injuries annually. Additionally, these fires also cause an average of $1.15 billion in property damage each year.
These figures include civilian casualties only, and do not include firefighter casualties.
Safety tip: Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen in case of a fire. Oil and grease fires require extinguishers with a special type of foam that smothers the fire. Never use water on an oil or grease fire.
3. Unattended equipment is the biggest fire danger in the kitchen
Unattended cooking accounts for 28% of cooking fires and 48% of cooking fire-related deaths, making it the leading factor contributing to cooking fires and related casualties.
More than 25% of the people killed in home cooking fires were asleep when they received fatal injuries, and more than 50% of non-fatal injuries occurred when people attempted to put out the fire.
Additionally, in two thirds of kitchen fire fatalities, the fire started when the victims were not in that area of the home, suggesting that many of them were unaware of the fire until it was too late. Check out our website to pick your preferred kitchen fire alarm.
16 Important Kitchen Fire Statistics
To shed more light on what causes kitchen fires, the severity of the danger, and preventative measures that can help prevent casualties and property damage, here are 15 additional kitchen fire statistics that homeowners and renters need to know.
1. Ranges or cooktops were involved in 53% of kitchen fires, 74% of related injuries, and 88% of cooking fire deaths
Statistically, homes with electric ranges have a higher risk of kitchen fires and related casualties than homes with gas ranges. The dangers of ranges and cooktops highlight the importance of using range hoods and other ventilation systems.
Safety tip: Keep cooking surfaces clean and free of grease, oil, and other flammable materials. Additionally, keep oven mitts and rags away from burners.
2. In 66% of kitchen fires, cooking materials are the first thing to ignite — cooking oil ignition leading 53% of related deaths
Combustible cooking materials such as food, fat, grease, butter, and lard are most likely to catch fire first in home cooking fires. These common cooking substances can be highly flammable, underscoring the need to keep cooking surfaces clean and prevent pots from boiling over.
In addition to contributing to more than half of civilian deaths, cooking oil or grease fires lead to 75% of injuries and 78% of direct property damage in fires related to cooking material or food ignition.
Safety tip: Never put water on an oil or grease fire, as it can make the fire worse. Small grease fires can be extinguished by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the stove. Keep the cover on the pan until the fire is smothered and the pan is completely cool.
3. Clothing ignition leads to 7% of residential cooking fire fatalities
While clothing is the first thing ignited in less than 1% of home cooking fires, it leads to a disproportionate percentage of cooking fire deaths, making it an especially dangerous risk factor.
Safety tip: Roll up sleeves and avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking.
4. Microwaves cause 4% of home cooking fires
Microwave ovens are involved in a relatively small but significant portion of kitchen fires, highlighting the need for caution when using these appliances. However, microwaves are responsible for only 1% of cooking-related deaths.
5. 80% of kitchen fires are confined to the object of origin
In most cases, kitchen fires are limited to the item where they start, such as a pot or pan. However, these confined fires still pose serious risks, causing 4% of cooking fire deaths and 35% of cooking fire injuries.
6. 97% of home cooking fires are confined to the room where they began
While these fires remain confined to one room, typically the kitchen, they result in 28% of home cooking fire deaths and 82% of related injuries.
7. While only 31% of home fires occur in apartments, they are the location of 47% of kitchen fires
Meanwhile, cooking is the cause of 37% of fires in one or two-family homes, and 72% of fires in apartments and other multifamily housing structures.
More than 60% of fires in apartments were cooking fires that did not spread.
Monitored alarm systems, which are more common in apartments, are more likely to trigger a fire department response to a minor fire.
8. Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 55%
In 41% of home fire deaths, no smoke detector was present, and in 16% of deaths the smoke detector failed to operate. Issues with the power source is the most common reason for a smoke detector to fail to work properly.
Hardwired smoke detectors are statistically more likely to operate properly than battery-powered smoke detectors in case of a fire, with hardwired alarms working 94% of the time and the battery-powered option working 82% of the time.
Safety tip: Replace batteries in battery-powered smoke alarms every six months. A good practice is to replace the batteries when turning the clocks forward in the spring and backward in the fall. If a smoke detector is “chirping,” change the batteries immediately.
9. Smoke alarms are present in 88% of home cooking fires and 76% of related deaths
Despite the life-saving abilities of smoke alarms, more than three-fourths of cooking fire fatalities still occur in homes where they are present.
In 29% of home kitchen fire deaths where a smoke alarm was present, it was not operating properly. Since unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires, smoke detectors are essential to alert people in other parts of the home as soon as the fire starts.
It’s essential to not only have smoke alarms but also to ensure they are well-maintained, have fresh batteries, and are functioning properly.
Safety tip: On many smoke detectors, you can check the functionality by pressing a small button on its main surface. You can use a tool to extend your reach if the smoke detector is on the ceiling. If you don’t hear a “beep” when you press the button, immediately replace the batteries. If you still don’t hear a “beep,” replace the smoke detector.
10. Only 1% of cooking fire deaths occur in homes with automatic extinguishing systems (AES)
These emergency systems are present in an estimated 12% of home cooking fires, but they are effective in extinguishing kitchen fires and mitigating casualties and property damage.
11. Home cooking fires peak between 5 PM and 8 PM
The majority of home cooking fires occur in the early evening hours when many people are preparing dinner. The combination of multitasking, distractions, and the use of multiple cooking appliances can elevate the risk of fire incidents during these hours.
12. 17% of kitchen fires occur overnight and lead to 19% of related deaths
Kitchen fires that occur between 11 PM and 7 AM are responsible for nearly one in five home cooking fire deaths. Contributing factors may include sleep and alcohol or drug impairment, highlighting the need to avoid cooking while tired or under the influence, and to ensure you don’t fall asleep while cooking.
13. Adults aged 65 and older are 2.2 times more likely to die in a kitchen fire
The risk of dying in a kitchen fire increases with age: adults aged 75-84 are 3.1 times more likely to die in a fire, and those aged 85 and over have the highest relative risk of fire-related deaths among all age groups.
From 2012 to 2021, the fire death rate for older adults increased by 16%, reaching 33.9 deaths per million population in 2021, the highest rate recorded in the decade.
This increased risk is often due to factors such as slower reaction times, reduced mobility, and a higher likelihood of living alone.
14. Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day are the peak days for home cooking fires, with a 200 to 300% increase over daily averages.
Kitchen fires are more than three times as likely to occur on Thanksgiving Day (1,470) and nearly twice as likely to occur on Christmas Eve (740) and Christmas Day (740) compared to the national daily average (430).
Additionally, an average of 670 kitchen fires occur on Easter, representing a 54% increase over the daily average, and an average of 600 kitchen fires occur on the day before Thanksgiving, at a 40% increase.
This surge is primarily due to the increased cooking activities and distractions common during these holidays.
As usual with kitchen fires, unattended cooking is the top contributing factor to home cooking fires and related deaths on Thanksgiving and other holidays.
15. Deep frying turkeys leads to five deaths, 60 injuries, and the destruction of 900 homes annually
These incidents are most common during the holiday season, particularly on Thanksgiving Day, which sees approximately 1,500 reported home fires. The popularity of outdoor, gas-fueled turkey fryers contributes significantly to these statistics.
16. In nonresidential building fires, injuries are most common in restaurants, but fatalities and the average dollar loss are highest in pubs, bars, and nightclubs
Among nonresidential buildings, restaurants see an average of 11 injuries per 1,000 fires, compared to 8.1 injuries in eating and drinking establishments such as bars, pubs, and nightclubs, and 9.4 injuries in other nonresidential building fires.
Meanwhile, fatalities are highest in eating and dining establishments excluding restaurants, at a rate of 1.8 fatalities per 1,000 fires. In other nonresidential building fires, there is an average of 1 fatality per 1,000 fires, versus .3 fatalities per 1,000 restaurant fires.
In terms of the average dollar loss, restaurant fires tend to cause the least expensive damage, at $30,388 per fire (adjusted for inflation). Fires in bars, pubs, and nightclubs tend to cause the most expensive damage, at $46,714 per fire (adjusted). The average dollar loss in other nonresidential building fires is $40,580 (adjusted).
What These Kitchen Fire Statistics Reveal
The statistics on kitchen fires reveal several critical insights that highlight the importance of fire safety and preventive measures in the home.
The Prevalence of Cooking Fires
Cooking remains the primary cause of home fires, underscoring the need for increased awareness and education about cooking safety. Simple precautions such as never leaving cooking unattended, using timers, avoiding wearing loose clothing while cooking, and keeping flammable items away from heat sources can significantly reduce the risk of fire.
In nonresidential eating establishments including restaurants, it’s essential to minimize distractions for employees who are responsible for monitoring the preparation of food. This means hiring enough staff that cooking food is not left unattended while team members focus on other tasks, and that other duties such as cleaning, taking orders, and even adjusting the background music are streamlined and automated as much as possible.
The Impact of Holidays on Fire Incidence
The spike in reported home cooking fires during major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas indicates the need for extra vigilance during these times. Planning and monitoring cooking activities, along with minimizing distractions, can help prevent fires during busy holiday gatherings.
The Importance of Proper Equipment Maintenance
Regular maintenance and inspection of kitchen appliances, electrical systems, and smoke alarms are crucial for fire prevention. Ensuring that all cooking equipment is in good working condition and free of hazards can greatly reduce the risk of kitchen fires.
To mitigate this risk, stay in the kitchen while cooking, particularly when frying, grilling, or broiling. If you need to leave the kitchen, even for a short period, turn off the stove. Additionally, using timers as reminders can help prevent cooking activities from being forgotten, and even wake you up in case you fall asleep while cooking.
Smoke Alarms and AES Save Lives
The significant reduction in fire-related fatalities in homes with working smoke alarms and automatic extinguishing systems highlights their importance in fire safety. Installing and maintaining smoke alarms, along with having a clear escape plan, can provide critical early warning and save lives in the event of a fire.
To prevent the smoke alarm from “crying wolf” every time you cook, install smoke detectors at least 20 feet away from the stovetop. If that’s not possible, use the hush feature if the detector is installed 10 to 20 feet from the stove. This temporarily reduces the sensitivity of the alarm.
FAQ
What is the leading cause of kitchen fires?
The most frequent cause of kitchen fires is leaving the stove unattended. Cooking, a daily activity, often leads people to underestimate the risks, especially when heating grease or oil. Walking away from the stove, even for a brief moment, can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation.
What are the key statistics on kitchen fires?
Cooking is responsible for an average of 158,400 reported home structure fires annually in the U.S., which represents 44% of all home fires. These incidents result in about 470 civilian deaths (18% of home fire fatalities) and 4,150 civilian injuries (42% of home fire-related injuries) each year.
How many people suffer kitchen burns annually?
Each year, an estimated 486,000 burn injuries occur, equating to one every 65 seconds. As the American Burn Association emphasizes, preventing burns is always preferable to enduring the pain and trauma of medical treatment.
What is the main cause of house fires?
Cooking is the top cause of residential fires, with unattended cooking being the primary factor.
What is the primary factor in home cooking fires?
Fire departments respond to over 170,000 cooking-related home fires annually, with the most common cause being unattended cooking.
How can you prevent a kitchen fire?
Keep your cooking equipment clean, as crumbs, grease, and dust can be fire hazards. Wear short or tightly rolled sleeves to avoid clothing catching fire from a gas flame or electric burner.
What is the biggest fire risk in a kitchen?
Grease is one of the most significant fire hazards in kitchens due to its flammability and quick accumulation from daily use.
Can baking soda put out kitchen fires?
Baking soda can extinguish small grease fires, but it requires a significant amount. A Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher is recommended as a last resort.
What are the most flammable items in a kitchen?
Grease, cooking oil, and alcohol are among the most flammable substances in a kitchen, as their liquid form allows for rapid spread if ignited.
What is the most common type of kitchen fire?
Grease fires are the most frequent type of kitchen fire and are highly dangerous due to how quickly they can spread from the stove to other areas.
Why are fires more likely to start in kitchens?
High-risk activities such as deep frying, distractions, and leaving cooking appliances unattended are the primary reasons fires start in kitchens.
Do most house fires start in the kitchen?
Yes, the kitchen is the most common room for house fires to start. The second leading cause is heating sources like wood stoves, followed by fires caused by smoking, which lead to the most fatalities.
Which kitchen appliance is most likely to cause a fire?
Stoves and ranges are the leading cause of kitchen fires. Other appliances at risk include dishwashers, refrigerators, microwaves, and toasters.
Which cooking method is most likely to start a fire?
Frying or broiling with oil requires constant supervision, as two-thirds of kitchen fires occur when cooking oil, fat, grease, or butter ignite.
What two things should you never do if a kitchen fire starts?
Never use water to put out a grease fire, as it can cause the fire to spread. Always have a fire extinguisher rated for kitchen fires nearby.
What is the most common type of kitchen burn?
Scalding burns, caused by contact with hot liquids or steam, account for about 33% of all burn injuries, commonly occurring during cooking.
Should you use flour to put out a kitchen fire?
No, never use flour or water to extinguish a cooking fire. Flour is combustible, and water can cause the fire to spread. Avoid carrying a burning pan, as this could lead to severe burns and fire spreading.
Does salt work to put out kitchen fires?
Yes, salt can effectively smother a kitchen fire, while baking soda can extinguish it chemically. However, both require large quantities to be effective.
Are microwaves a fire hazard?
Yes, microwaves can pose a fire risk if there is no moisture in the food, as dry items can overheat and ignite.
What is the best flame for cooking?
A blue flame is the optimal choice when using kitchen torches for cooking.
How CopperSmith Can Help
Replacing out-of-date kitchen appliances can reduce the risk of kitchen fires. Additionally, installing a high-quality range hood or exhaust fan can lower the chances of a home cooking fire by improving ventilation and removing heat and smoke from the kitchen.
CopperSmith offers a wide variety of range hoods, including copper, stainless steel, and custom varieties designed to enhance both the safety and aesthetics of your kitchen.
