Don't Let Fire Ruin Holidays; States With Most Cooking Fires

ACROSS AMERICA —Thanksgiving Day is the peak day for home cooking fires.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the leading cause of home fires. One out of three home fires begin in the kitchen - more than any other place in the home.

A new State Farm report reveals that in 2018, State Farm Insurance paid more than $118 million for nearly 2,500 cooking/grease fire homeowner’s claims across the U.S. The Top 10 states for cooking/grease fire losses in 2018 were:

The states with the least fire claims were Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Here are some cooking tips to keep you and your family safe:

• Always keep an eye on what you are cooking/frying. Never leave the cooking area unattended.
• Keep anything that can catch fire - oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stove top.
• Keep a lid beside the pan when cooking. If a fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Never throw water on a grease fire.
• Keep a fire extinguisher approved for cooking or grease fires nearby. Make sure your smoke alarms are working

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 stove top. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

Additional Resources:

Cooking Fire Demonstration Video

Turkey Fryer Safety Tips

National Fire Protection Association Resources-Cooking Fires