Excelsior Springs, MO – A residential fire broke out on Peachtree Lane Sunday afternoon (7/28/24) when food was left cooking on the stove unattended. Fortunately, damage to the property was relatively minimal, and all occupants were able to evacuate the home safely. Firefighters responded quickly to the scene and extinguished the flames before they spread beyond the kitchen, helping to prevent what could have been a much more serious incident.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. is cooking, which is responsible for nearly half of all residential fires. Over two-thirds of those fires are caused by food left unattended while cooking.
To prevent cooking fires, the NFPA advises staying alert and avoiding cooking when sleepy or impaired by drugs or alcohol. It’s important to remain in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling food. Regularly checking on simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food and using a timer can also help. Additionally, keeping the stovetop clear of flammable items like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, or towels is a must.
In case of a cooking fire, keeping a lid nearby to smother small grease fires is recommended. Never try to extinguish a grease fire with water. For oven fires, turning off the heat and keeping the door closed can prevent the fire from spreading. If a fire grows beyond control, evacuate immediately and call 9-1-1.
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