One third of residential fires start in the kitchen.

Cooking fires are at the very top of accidental fires on the island of Montréal. For many households, meal preparation is often interrupted by numerous distractions. Whether it is due to the presence of children or of technological devices, you can easily look away from your pots and pans. 

Once a fire starts in a pot or a pan, trying to put it out with water can actually have catastrophic consequences if there is any grease involved. For your safety and that of your family, remain vigilant when cooking. 

Here are some safety tips:

• Don’t walk away from your cooking.
• When cooking surfaces are not in use, leave them clear of all items. 
• Use only CSA-certified fryers that are equipped with a thermostat.
• Wear garments with tight-fitting sleeves when cooking. 
• Keep kids away from the stove.
• Always have a lid on hand. If it is not made for your pot, make sure that it covers it fully. 
• Turn pot and pan handles away so that children cannot reach them on the stovetop. 
• Even if you think that you have successfully put out a cooking fire, don’t take any chances, dial 9-1-1.

Acting responsibly when you cook reduces the risk of a fire. It is up to you to change the statistics! 

*Statistical data source: Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal (SIM), 2020