Kitchen fire safety for hosts: before, during and after a dinner

A dinner party puts more heat, more distraction and more people into a kitchen than an ordinary Tuesday. That combination is why a few minutes of preparation matters. None of this is meant to scare you off cooking for friends. It is meant to make sure a small flare-up stays small.

Before guests arrive

• Check your smoke alarm. Press the test button. If it is old or chirping, replace the battery or the unit. Most alarms have a manufacturing date printed inside.
• Know where your extinguisher is. A small home extinguisher rated for kitchen use should be near an exit, not above the stove where you would have to reach through flames for it.
• Consider a fire blanket. It is cheap, takes up little space and is easy to use. Mount it where you can reach it without crossing the stove.
• Clear the area. Move tea towels, oven mitts, paper towel rolls and recipe printouts away from burners. Roll up loose sleeves.
• Plan the traffic. Keep guests and children out of the cooking zone. A bowl of snacks in another room works wonders.

While you cook

Grease fires

Oil that smokes is too hot. Turn the heat down at once. If oil in a pan ignites:

1. Turn off the heat if you can do it safely.
2. Slide a lid over the pan to cut off the air, and leave it covered until fully cool.
3. Never use water. It can make burning oil spatter violently.
4. Don’t carry the pan to the sink or outside.

A fire blanket can also smother a small pan fire. Don’t use flour, which is flammable. Baking soda in a small quantity can help on a very small fire, but a lid is more reliable.

Oven fires

If something catches fire inside the oven, keep the door closed and turn the oven off. Starving it of air usually puts it out. Opening the door feeds it. If it does not die down, leave the kitchen and call emergency services.

Microwave and toaster

If something burns in the microwave, leave the door closed, switch it off and unplug it if you can reach the plug safely. Keep toasters clear of curtains and cabinets, and clean out crumbs regularly.

Candles and decoration

Candles make a table, but give them a stable holder, keep them away from napkins, paper and flowers, and never place them where someone has to reach across them. Don’t leave them lit in an empty room. Tea lights are best in glass holders. Keep long hair and loose sleeves away from flames when you are serving.

Using an extinguisher

The common memory aid is PASS: pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle, sweep side to side. Stand back at a safe distance with an exit behind you. Only fight a fire that is small, contained and not blocking your way out. Read the label on your extinguisher now, not during an emergency.

When to leave and call

Get everyone out and call your local emergency number (911 in Canada) if:

• the fire is spreading or you are not sure you can put it out,
• there is a lot of smoke,
• the extinguisher runs out and flames remain.

Close the door behind you if it is safe to do so. Don’t go back inside for belongings. Even if you do put a fire out, it is sensible to let your local fire service know and have them check the area.

After the dinner

• Check every burner and the oven are off before you sit down with coffee, and again before bed.
• Blow out candles and check that none are smouldering.
• Be careful with hot pans and ashes. Let things cool before you cover or discard them.
• Replace anything used. A discharged extinguisher needs to be serviced or replaced, even if it was only used briefly. A used fire blanket should be replaced too.
• Take away the grease. Wipe the stovetop and extractor fan filter regularly. Built-up grease is fuel.

A host’s habit

Make it normal to say aloud, “Let’s keep everyone out of the kitchen while I’m frying.” Guests rarely mind. Most people are relieved to have a reason to stay on the sofa.

If you want more on setting up a safe and comfortable kitchen, see our kitchen and home section.

This article is general information and not a substitute for professional fire-safety training. Follow the instructions on your own equipment and the guidance of your local fire department.