As the holiday season approaches, Minnesota State Fire Marshal Dan Krier and Minneapolis Fire Chief Bryan Tyner urge everyone to cook safely, especially during the holiday season. Cooking remains the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries—both in Minnesota and nationwide. It is also the second-leading cause of home fire deaths, with unattended cooking still the number one contributing factor. Last year, cooking fires caused nearly $6 million in damage across the state.
Fire danger increases during the holiday season as households prepare large meals, host gatherings, and juggle distractions. In 2023, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,446 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day alone, accounting for 80% of all U.S. home fires.
Thanksgiving cooking incidents accounted for 40% of reported injuries between 2019 and 2023, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Christmas Day and Christmas Eve rank as the second and third-highest days for home cooking fires.
Cooking safety advice
- Never leave items cooking on the stovetop unattended.
- Keep items that can catch fire, such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, wrappers, and towels away from the cooking area.
- Be aware of long sleeves and hanging fabrics that can come in contact with a heat source.
- Keep children and pets away from the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared or carried.
- Be sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are working.
In case of fire
- For small grease fires, turn off the burner and place a lid on the pan, smothering the flames.
- Be careful, as removing the lid could cause the fire to reignite. Let the pan cool for a long time.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Once you’re confident the fire is out, open the oven door, standing to the side as you do.
- Don’t hesitate to call 911. Fire can spread quickly out of control.
For more information, visit the Minneapolis Fire Department webpages or the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s website.
