Kitchen fires can cost households over £35,000 to recover from – here’s how to help prevent one

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding residents to take extra care in the kitchen after attending 288 cooking-related incidents across the county in 2025.

Most of these fires could have been prevented. Items left on hobs caused 122 fires, often when cookers were still warm or accidentally switched on. Distraction while cooking led to 86 fires, while other causes included grease and oil build-up, not using a timer, and faulty appliances.

Mark Warwick, Community Protection Manager at LFRS, said:
“A kitchen fire can cost an average of £35,681 to recover from. Many of these fires start in everyday situations that can easily be avoided.

“Simple steps like keeping your hob clear, cleaning regularly, staying focused while cooking, and making sure your smoke alarms are working can make a real difference.”

Top cooking safety tips:

· Stay in the kitchen and avoid distractions while cooking

· Keep cookers clean to prevent grease and oil build-up

· Don’t use your hob as a storage or preparation space

· Fit smoke alarms and test them regularly

For more cooking safety advice, visit www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/cooking