How to Prevent Kitchen Fires
Learn how to prevent kitchen fires and improve residential fire safety with Guard-X Protection incendie, proudly serving the entire Greater Montreal area.
Advice from our kitchen fire experts!
When it comes to residential fire safety, prevention is your best ally.
Did you know that nearly 30% of residential fires in Quebec start in the kitchen? (Source: Ministry of Public Security)
At Guard-X Protection incendie, fire safety experts in Montreal, we’re sharing the key habits to adopt — and mistakes to avoid — to help you cook safely and confidently.
Tips to Prevent Kitchen Fires
When preparing meals, follow these essential safety tips:
- Only turn on stovetop elements when you're ready to use them
- Never place cardboard or pizza boxes in the oven, even for a short time
- Keep dish towels, grocery bags, and other flammable objects away from the stove
- Always monitor food while it’s cooking
- Use a deep fryer, not a pot, for frying foods
- Choose cookware at least as wide as the heating element
- Clean your stovetop regularly to prevent grease buildup
- Turn pot handles inward to avoid accidental spills
- Always keep the pot lid within reach
What to do in case of a kitchen fire
Stovetop fires often result from overheated oil.
If this happens:
Never pour water on a grease fire — it will make the flames worse
Do not move the burning pan — it could spread the fire quickly
If the fire is small and you can intervene safely:
- Turn off the stove, oven, and range hood
- Cut off the fire’s oxygen supply:
- Keep the oven door closed
- Cover the pan with its lid, moving the lid from front to back
If necessary, use a Class B fire extinguisher, which is designed for flammable liquid fires.
If the fire gets out of control: evacuate immediately and call 9-1-1.
Guard-X Protection incendie : your partner for quality fire protection
At Guard-X Protection incendie, we offer:
- Sales, installation, and inspection of fire protection equipment
- Detection, alarm, and video surveillance systems
- Professional service in Montreal, Laval, the South Shore, and surrounding areas