Prevent cooking fires 

Every year, too many people burn themselves or cause fires while cooking. In Laval, 22% of fires are related to cooking, with 71% caused by overheated oil. 

Why are there so many cooking fires?

In Quebec, more than half of residential fires are caused by one of these three human errors: 

1. Distraction 
2. Negligence 
3. Misuse of equipment 

To avoid ending up with a burnt-down house, it’s important to stay vigilant. 

How to prevent a cooking fire 

Here are some tips to cook safely: 

• Don’t fry in a pot filled with oil. Use a CSA or ULC certified deep fryer or air fryer with a thermostat instead. 
• Avoid wearing loose clothing. 
• Stay close to the stove while cooking. 
• Avoid distractions from your phone or TV, for example. 
• Use a timer. 
• Use oven mitts. 
• Use pans with a handle guard. 
• Keep pot handles turned toward the center of the stove. 
• Make sure children stay away from the stove. 

4 things to do when a fire starts on the stove 

• To put out a fire in a pan or pot, place a proper lid on the container. Then, safely turn off the stove. 
• Never move a pan or pot that’s on fire. 
• Never throw anything on the fire, especially not water on hot oil. 
• Even if you think the fire is out, don’t take any risks—call 911.