Learn the most common causes of kitchen fires and how you can prevent them. Kitchens remain highly vulnerable to fire hazards because most of the cooking takes place there. Fires can damage the structure of the home and pose a serious threat to everyone living in it. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the most common causes of fires in kitchens. Leaving an Open Flame in the Kitchen Oftentimes, multitasking, such as cooking in the kitchen and doing the laundry or watching Game of Thrones or another show on HBO while taking care of your kitchen duties, can divert your attention. Getting distracted and leaving the food on the stove puts you and your home under serious fire related risks. People with short term memory lapses are at risk of leaving an unattended pot on the stove. The dangers are even greater if you have a gas burner with an open flame, as that is one of the most common causes of kitchen fires. Heating Appliances The second major cause of kitchen fires is the use of heating appliances such as baseboard heaters and home space heaters that can easily produce flames when flammable items or fabrics are brought closer to them. Based on the stats issued by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), kitchen appliances are responsible for over 25,000 house fires and claim 300 deaths in the US every year. Fuel-powered heaters such as those that require kerosene, if not properly supervised, may quickly blow up, resulting in kitchen fires. Electric heaters, on the other hand, can ignite if fabrics such as draperies come into contact with them or simply due to faulty electrical wiring. To avoid such issues, be sure to abide by the guidelines that come with each kitchen appliance and don’t delay or postpone regular inspections to ensure they are in a good, safe condition. Loose Flammable Materials This one might come to you as a surprise. According to the National Fire Protection Association, many fire deaths occur when clothing, towels, or other fabric comes into contact with the flames.  When this happens, fire quickly spreads, putting you at a serious risk. Consider items that may settle onto the stove such as long sleeves, potholders, and paper towels and keep these items away from the stovetop.  Don't use the stovetop as a counter surface because a burner may be on or warm. Keep a Clean Stove Grease and other food buildup on the stove may cause smoke and fire. Keep the stove and oven clean of loose debris. Use a dish soap that is effective against grease on a regular basis. For personal safety and building safety, fire and smoke damage restoration is best left to professionals like Service Team of Professionals. STOP Metrowest is an IICRC Certified Firm - safe, quality, and compassionate service is our priority! We provide a rapid response to fire and smoke clean up and restoration in Framingham MA or other Metrowest MA communities like Newton MA, Sherborn MA, and Southborough MA. Call STOP MetroWest at 508-753-3780. For more information, visit our webpage at STOP Metrowest.