Cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires. In fact, last year approximately one-third (1/3) of the residential fires that Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue responded to began in the kitchen. It is estimated that you can expect to experience at least two kitchen fires in your lifetime. Minimize your risk by following the below safety tips.

• Always Supervise Your Cooking. Turn off burners or set a timer if you decide to leave the room.
• Keep on Eye on Cooking Oil. Cooking oil is a common cause of kitchen fires. Never leave hot oil unattended! Also, heating oil too quickly can start a fire.
• Keep Cooking Area Clean to Avoid Grease Build-Up.
• Keep Combustibles (potholders, towels) Away From the Stovetop.
• Turn Pot Handles Toward the Center of the Stove. Keep handles inward to help prevent pots and pans from being knocked off the stove or pulled down by children.
• Teach Children How to Cook Safely. Children should cook only with permission and/or under the supervision of an adult. Before cooking on their own, children should know how to prevent a fire and what to do if one occurs.

If the fire is large or appears to be growing, do not attempt to extinguish it! Quickly leave your home and call 9-1-1 from a cell phone or neighbor’s house. However, if the fire is still the pan or oven and has not spread to nearby counters or cabinets, you may be able to extinguish it yourself through one of the following methods. Remember…NEVER transfer a burning pan from the stovetop to the sink or out an exterior door. The fire may grow in size and burn you or spread to countertop or cabinets.

• Put a Lid on It. The easiest way to extinguish a small pan fire is with a lid. Carefully slide a lid—from the side—over the pan and turn off the stove burner. The lid will "smother" the fire, while turning off the burner removes the heat. Do not move the pan until the fire is completely extinguished and the pan is cool.
• Grease and Water Do Not Mix! Never pour water on a grease fire! The flames will "splash," resulting in burns to your body and/or spreading to nearby cabinets and countertops.
• Baking Soda. If the fire is still contained in the pan, you may use baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount in the palm of your hand and "toss" upon the fire. If the fire is not extinguished after several attempts, use a fire extinguisher or leave your home and call 9-1-1.

• Use a Fire Extinguisher. Use a fire extinguisher only if the fire is small and has not spread outside the point of origin (pan). The discharge of a portable fire extinguisher only lasts between 8 and 10 seconds.

• Shut the Door on Fires in ovens or microwaves and turn off the heat. Keep the door shut until the fire is completely out.