Keeping Your Family Safe from Kitchen Fires
Why kitchen fire safety matters (especially here)
Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires in the U.S. every year. National data show cooking accounts for the largest share of residential fires and injuries, with unattended cooking as the leading factor. In LA/OC’s dense neighborhoods and multifamily buildings, a small stovetop flare-up can spread fast—putting families and neighbors at risk.
Smart prevention you can do today
1) Stay with heat. If you’re frying, boiling, broiling, or grilling—stay in the kitchen. Use a timer when simmering or baking. If you must step away, turn off the burner. This is exactly what LAFD and OCFA emphasize.
2) Create a “no-go” zone. Keep kids and pets at least 3 feet from the stove. Turn pot handles inward to prevent knocks and splashes.
3) Keep combustibles back. Move towels, paper goods, wooden utensils, and packaging away from burners. Wipe up grease on ranges, hoods, and counters—built-up residue flashes quickly.
4) Cook alert. Skip stovetop cooking when overly tired or under the influence. Distraction is a major driver of unattended-cooking fires.
5) Plug in safely. Don’t overload small-appliance circuits. Unplug countertop appliances you’re not using.
Know the rules: Alarms & code basics for California homes
Smoke alarms (CRC §R314).
• Install smoke alarms on every level, in each sleeping room, and outside each sleeping area.
• To reduce nuisance alarms, keep smoke alarms ≥20 ft from permanently installed cooking appliances (or use photoelectric models ≥10 ft).
Carbon monoxide alarms (CRC §R315 / Health & Safety Code).
• Required in all existing dwelling units with fuel-burning equipment, fireplaces, or attached garages—on every level and outside sleeping areas.
Local tip for SoCal owners: Many cities (e.g., Irvine) echo state rules and clarify placement in handouts—good references when you’re retrofitting.
Fire extinguisher basics for LA homes
What to keep:
• A multipurpose 2A:10B:C extinguisher on an accessible path—popular for general home use.
• If you often deep-fry or use high-temp oils, adding a Class K unit provides extra protection for cooking-oil fires (more common in commercial kitchens but available for homes).
Where & how to mount (LA City Fire Code):
• Mount so the top is ≤5 ft from the floor.
• In LA high-rise residential units, at least one 2A:10B:C extinguisher must be installed adjacent to the main exit (unless fully sprinklered).
If a grease fire starts
Turn off the heat. Don’t move the pan.
Smother it. Slide a metal lid or baking sheet over the pan; leave it covered until cool.
Never use water. Water spreads burning oil.
Use an extinguisher if needed—preferably Class K (or B on small pan fires). If it’s growing, evacuate and call 911. (NFPA guidance)
Bonus upgrades we recommend during inspections
Switch to induction. Induction cooktops run cooler surfaces and cut stray-flame risks (still follow all safety steps).
Photoelectric alarms near kitchens. Reduce cooking nuisance while maintaining protection (use ≥10 ft placement rule).
Annual safety walk-through. Check alarm dates (replace at 10 years), test monthly, and verify extinguisher gauges are in the green.
Need a safety check?
PrimeVantage can verify your alarms/CO detectors, extinguisher accessibility, and kitchen fire risks during a Home Safety Mini-Inspection. Book at PrimeVantageInspection.com for Los Angeles & Orange County.
