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Cooking Fire Safety

Each year hundreds of fires are sparked in Oregon by cooking, many of which can be avoided with proper fire safety.

Whether you are cooking a holiday dinner or a snack for children, practicing safe cooking behaviors will help keep you and your family safe. Keep the simple actions below in mind every time you step into the kitchen to cook.

  • Keep an eye on what you’re cooking; don’t leave cooking unattended.
  • Keep your cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles (potholders, food packaging, towels, etc.) and wipe up surface spills.
  • Create a three-foot kid- and pet-free zone around the stove.
  • Older children should only cook with permission and under the supervision of an adult.
  • Have a lid or cookie sheet within reach while cooking (to smother flames) in case of a fire.

What to do if a Fire Sparks

  • Put a lid on it! Slide a lid over the pan (from the side) and then turn off the burner.
  • Don’t move the pan until the fire is completely extinguished and cooled, and don’t try to transfer the pan to the sink.

If You Cannot Extinguish the Fire

  • Get you and your family safely out of the house.
  • If you can, close doors as you are escaping, to help contain the fire.
  • Call 911 from a safe place (outside).

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