Staying Safe at Home: A Red Deer Story on Cooking Safety
June 12, 2025
In Red Deer, our kitchens are where memories — and unfortunately, some of our most destructive house fires — are made. Did you know that 1 in 5 residential fires in Red Deer start in the kitchen?
“I only left the kitchen for a minute.”
It’s a phrase our fire investigators hear too often after a fire.
It’s easy to get distracted — a phone call, answering the door, checking on the kids. Maybe you’re overtired, under the weather, or feeling the effects of a couple of drinks. But when it comes to cooking, even one minute away from the stove can lead to a dangerous situation.
The good news? Most of these fires are completely preventable. Safe cooking is all about building good habits — and here are a few to keep in mind:
- Stay put: Never leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave the room, turn off the stove.
- Use oil safely: Only use fresh oil, and avoid heating it in open pots. Deep fryers with thermostats and lids are safest.
- Handle with care: Turn pot handles inward to prevent spills.
- Clear the area: Keep towels, potholders, and food packaging away from burners.
- Keep kids and pets at bay: Create a one-metre “kid-free zone” around your cooking space.
- Unplug with purpose: Regularly check cords on your appliances for cracks or damage, and turn everything off when you leave the kitchen.
What should you do if a fire starts?
- If grease catches fire, never throw water or flour on it. Instead, carefully slide a tight-fitting lid over the pan and turn off the heat.
- For oven fires, close the door and shut off the oven.
- If you can’t control it immediately, evacuate and call 911.
Remember, your best fire defense is to always keep close attention on what you’re cooking. Being alert and present while cooking is the simplest, most effective way to prevent tragedy.
Let’s keep Red Deer’s kitchens cooking safely — and fire-free.
