Cooking Safety

Act immediately

If a cooking fire starts

Pan fire: Slide a lid over the pan from the side. Turn off the burner and leave the pan covered until completely cool. Do not move the pan.
Oven or microwave fire: Turn off the heat, unplug the appliance if it is safe, and keep the door closed.
Fire continues or spreads: Get outside, close doors behind you, and call 911 from outside.

Cook safely and prevent a home fire

Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires in Oregon. Stay in the kitchen while frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling; keep anything that can burn away from the stovetop; and know what to do if a fire starts

2-minute kitchen drill

⏱️ 02:00

Take two minutes before cooking to complete the list below. The secret ingredient is fire safety.

0/5 Hazards Cleared

Keep oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, curtains, and other items that can burn away from the stovetop.
Turn pot and pan handles toward the back of the stove.
Keep a lid nearby when cooking on the stovetop.
Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the oven and stove.
Make sure working smoke alarms are installed on every level of the home.

⚡ Kitchen Clear! Drill completed with safety chef status (+100 Safety XP).

Prevent a cooking fire

Stay in the kitchen when frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for any reason, turn off the burner.

Stay awake and alert while cooking. Use a timer to remind you that food is cooking. Wear short sleeves or close-fitting clothing so fabric cannot reach a gas flame or electric burner.

Prepare your kitchen

Keep the stovetop and burners clear. Keep pot lids nearby and make sure everyone in the home knows how to get outside if a fire starts.

Test your smoke alarms every month. Make sure everyone recognizes the alarm sound and knows to get outside and stay outside.

Make a home fire escape plan

Use cooking equipment safely

Click each item below to learn about the different safety tips.

Ovens

Do not use an oven or microwave as storage space.
Never use an oven to heat your home.

Stovetops

Keep the stovetop and burners clear of anything that can burn.
Turn off the burner if you leave the kitchen.

Microwaves

Plug a microwave directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord.
Use extra care when removing hot food or liquids from a microwave mounted above a counter or stove.
After a microwave fire, have the outlet, circuit, wiring, and appliance inspected by a qualified professional before using the microwave again.

Small Appliances

Unplug hot plates, toasters, air fryers, coffee makers, kettles, and similar appliances when they are not in use.
Unplug appliances and allow them to cool before cleaning.
Do not submerge heat controls, cords, or plugs in water or other liquids.

Hot Cookware & Liquids

Use dry oven mitts or potholders. Moisture in a mitt or pad can heat quickly and cause a scald burn.
Use extra care when lifting hot food or liquids from an overhead microwave.

Get cooking safety materials

The Oregon State Fire Marshal offers cooking fire safety and grilling safety brochures in English and Spanish. Printable materials in Russian, Simplified Chinese, and Vietnamese are available by request.