Cooking is the No. 1 cause of residential fires in the U.S., No. 2 in Grand Forks
Nov. 5—GRAND FORKS — A Grand Forks Fire Department deputy marshal urges residents to not leave their kitchen while cooking — and to take care while in the kitchen — because it's a prime location for residential fires.
"Statistically, cooking is the No. 1 cause of (residential) fires in the nation," Matthew Hageman said.
Out of 256 structure fires documented in Grand Forks since 2019, 63 were caused by unattended cooking (24.6%,) making it the city's second most common cause of structure fires, he said. Hageman said general "building fires" are No. 1.
As of Oct. 7, there had been eight cooking fires in Grand Forks so far this year, and one fire still under investigation. There were nine cooking fires in 2023. These numbers are typical, according to Hageman.
Most reported cooking fires take place on the stovetop; oven fires can usually be contained, he said.
Often, cooking fires happen when cooking is unattended, such as when people begin heating something on their stovetop, then leave the room — or even the residence — and forget about it, Hageman said.
"Either it dries up, or they're cooking with grease (and it boils over)," he said.
People get distracted and, because cooking is an everyday task, they don't always consider how dangerous it can be, Hageman said.
"They get complacent," he said.
It's important to remain in the kitchen while cooking something at a higher temperature, and at least stay in the residence when cooking at lower temperatures, Hageman said. Setting a timer can also help prevent forgetting that something's cooking.
Another important element is to not cook while impaired, Hageman. People sometimes begin cooking and fall asleep, particularly while under the influence, and are killed due to smoke from the fire. This has happened once in recent years in Grand Forks, he said.
Some things to remember in case of a cooking fire are to keep a tight-fitting lid for the pot or pan that's in use nearby, so if something boils over, a lid can be slid over top of the pot or pan. Doing this, and turning the burner off, is often enough to extinguish the flame.
"That usually will take care of it," Hageman said. "If it doesn't, step outside, get away, because smoke is the No. 1 killer. Get outside and call 911."
Hageman also advises residents to never put water on a grease fire or try to get a pot of grease to the sink, because people often get burned doing so. When that happens, they often drop the pot, causing further danger and damage.
"People are trying to take care of a situation that (they) may be better off letting the fire department handle," Hageman said. "Either people panic, or they don't remember, or they've never been taught."
Residences should also have a serviceable fire extinguisher and functional smoke detectors. Fire extinguishers can be serviced locally once a year, Hageman said.
Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years, he said, and their batteries should be replaced as suggested by the manufacturer. Some are once or twice a year, while others are designed to not require battery changes. However, they should still be regularly checked to ensure they're in working order, Hageman said.
"The safety aspect I'd really like to drive home is to make sure you have good working smoke detectors," he said. "They don't have to be in the kitchen, but I think they recommend (that they're within) 20 feet."
