Kitchen Safety

A fire in the kitchen is always an emergency.

Why?
Fire, heat and smoke can spread into other areas without you being aware of it.

Only attempt to extinguish a small kitchen fire if it is safe to do so.
When in doubt: Get out and stay out! Always call 9-1-1.

Stay in the kitchen while frying, boiling, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for any reason, turn off the burner.
Stay in your home when simmering, baking or roasting food. Check it regularly and use a timer as a reminder.
Be alert and attentive when cooking. Never cook if you are drowsy, under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
Keep flammable items away from the stovetop (e.g., oven mitts, potholders, towels, cooking utensils, food packaging).
Prevent clothing from catching fire by wearing short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves while cooking.
Unplug small appliances when not in use. Always let them cool before cleaning and storing them.
Be prepared: Have oven mitts and a pot/pan lid nearby while cooking.

Never pour water on a grease fire!
Put on oven mitts to protect your hands.
Slide a lid over the pot/pan to smother the flames.
Turn off the burner and do not move or remove the lid until the pan has cooled.
Do not attempt to carry a flaming pot—it can cause severe burns and spread the fire if dropped.

Turn off the microwave immediately to stop the fan from feeding oxygen to the flames.
Keep the microwave door closed until it has cooled, and the fire is completely out.

The Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) does not endorse fire blankets for consumer use.
Fire blankets may provide a false sense of security and are not required by law in Ontario.
There are no Canadian safety standards for fire blankets.
Using a fire blanket requires getting dangerously close to the flames, increasing the risk of burns or spreading the fire.
A tight-fitting lid is the safest way to extinguish a stovetop fire and having an oven mitt nearby ensures you can safely cover a burning pot/pan.
While not required, a fire extinguisher can provide a safer option by allowing you to maintain a safe distance from the fire.