According to international statistics, fires are common worldwide. In the United States, cooking is the number one cause of home fires and fire-related injuries, with more than 173,000 fires reported in 2018 alone, resulting in 550 deaths and 4,820 injuries. In the UK, cooking is the most common cause of household fires, accounting for over 50% of all reported fires.
The guide of the Finnish Rescue Association highlights the dangers of unattended food during cooking and the dangers of storing non-cooking items on or near the stove. Objects such as coffee makers, microwave oven lids and cutting boards must not be placed on the kettle, as they can easily catch fire.
In addition, fires can be caused by forgetfulness, intoxication or impaired cognitive functions. The guide emphasizes the importance of being aware of the risks and taking the environment into account when cooking.
Despite their prevalence, cooking fires are often underreported in the media, and official statistics may not accurately reflect their true frequency. Not all fires are reported to emergency services, especially if the damage is minor, so the actual number of cooking fires may be higher than reported.
To reduce the risk of a cooking fire, the Rescue Association recommends preventive measures, such as removing unnecessary items from the stove area, concentrating on cooking while using the stove, ensuring that the home has a working fire alarm and identifying the fire alarm. location of fire extinguishers.
The guide also recommends investing in fireplace safety devices, such as a fireplace guard, which can help prevent fires caused by forgetfulness or cognitive impairment. In addition, loved ones can help ensure the safety of the kitchen by helping to eliminate potential hazards and keeping an eye on the stove while cooking.
It is important to note that a fire caused by cooking can be deadly, especially for those who cannot get away from the fire quickly. By following the safety tips in the guide, individuals can reduce the risk of a fire starting when cooking and keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
What objects have caught fire on the stove?
Most commonly in years 2016-2020the materials or objects that caught fire first were the materials or objects on or near the stove:
- Food
- Grease/grease
- Various objects
- Dishes
- Kettle
- Microwave cover
- Cutting board
- Coffee maker
- Pot holder or oven mitt
- Coffee pot
- Food packaging
- Plastic storage container
- Paper
- An empty pot or pan
- Feeding bottle
- Plastic with spatula
HT
Source: Finnish Rescue Association
Source: The Nordic Page