Experts state that one of the most common causes of kitchen fires is the overheating and ignition of frying oils, and it is known that the fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu Kartalkaya, where 78 people lost their lives, started after hot oil ignited in the kitchen and water was thrown onto the flames.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay stated that house fires generally originate from factors such as electrical malfunctions, open flame use, cigarettes, and heating systems, adding, “One of the most common causes of kitchen fires is the overheating and ignition of frying oils. Especially oils left on the stove or heated at high temperatures for a long time can spontaneously ignite.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay said that to prevent kitchen fires, one should be present at the stove during cooking and particularly not allow oils to overheat. She added, “Water should never be used in oil fires; instead, a fire blanket or a metal lid should be used to cut off the air supply to the flames and extinguish them.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay, a faculty member in the Occupational Health and Safety Department at Üsküdar Üniversitesi, explained the precautions to be taken against residential fires and how to prevent loss of life and property.
House fires cause loss of life and property!
Noting that house fires are among the serious dangers that can lead to loss of life and property, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay stated the following:
“These types of fires usually originate from factors such as electrical malfunctions, open flame use, cigarettes, and heating systems. Old or damaged electrical installations, overloaded outlets, and low-quality cables can cause short circuits leading to fires. Additionally, leaving electrical devices plugged in for extended periods can lead to overheating, increasing the risk of fire. Open flame sources in the home include candles, stoves, fireplaces, and matches/lighters. Especially candles or open stove fires can cause fires when they come into contact with flammable materials. Leaving cigarette butts unextinguished or smoking in bed can lead to the ignition of furniture and bedding.”
Beware of electric heaters!
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay also pointed out that placing electric heaters too close to flammable materials like curtains, carpets, and furniture can pose a fire risk, adding, “Furthermore, failure to regularly clean chimneys can lead to soot accumulation and thus fires. The likelihood of fire increases when alcohol-based cleaners, paints, thinners, and other chemical substances are not stored under appropriate conditions. Such materials pose a danger, especially when kept in hot environments or near a source of fire.”
House fires occur in the kitchen
“The kitchen is one of the areas with the highest fire risk in the home,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay, continuing:
“Due to high heat, open flame use, and the presence of flammable materials, kitchen fires spread rapidly. Failure to regularly clean the stove, oven, or range hood leads to the accumulation of grease and food residues, increasing the risk of fire. Especially grease deposits accumulating in chimneys can burn rapidly upon contact with flames. One of the most common causes of kitchen fires is the overheating and ignition of frying oils. Particularly oils left on the stove or heated at high temperatures for long periods can spontaneously ignite. To prevent kitchen fires, one should be present at the stove during cooking and especially not allow oils to overheat. Water should never be used in oil fires; instead, a fire blanket or a metal lid should be used to cut off the air supply to the flames and extinguish them. Stoves, ovens, and other gas cooking appliances can cause fires due to open flame use. Leaving the stove on, flames coming into contact with flammable materials during cooking, or a gas leak are among the causes of kitchen fires. Flammable materials should be kept away from the stove and oven, and the oven, stove, and range hood should be regularly cleaned to prevent grease accumulation.”
Fire extinguisher and blanket should be kept in the kitchen
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay, explaining that a fire extinguisher and fire blanket should be kept in the kitchen, and smoke and gas detectors should be installed and regularly tested, said, “Devices such as electric stoves, microwave ovens, toasters, and water heaters can cause fires due to overheating or short circuits. Damaged cables, faulty outlets, or leaving devices plugged in for long periods are risk factors. Using aluminum foil or metal-containing containers in a microwave oven can cause sparks and lead to fire. After using the stove and oven, ensure they are turned off; if a gas odor is detected, immediately ventilate and regularly check the gas installation. Electric kitchen appliances should not be used with damaged cables or overloaded outlets, and metal-containing materials should not be placed in the microwave oven.”
Electrical installations should be regularly checked!
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay also noted that to prevent house fires, electrical installations should be regularly checked, old and damaged cables should be replaced, and overloaded outlets should be avoided, adding, “Open flame sources, especially candles and stoves, should be turned off when not in use and kept away from flammable materials. Cigarette butts should be completely extinguished, and smoking in bed should be avoided. Electric heaters and fireplaces should be positioned away from flammable materials, and chimneys should be regularly cleaned. Flammable chemicals should be stored in cool and ventilated areas, away from sunlight or heat sources. Every home should have a fire extinguisher, and smoke detectors and fire alarms should be regularly checked to establish an an early warning system.”
House fires generally occur due to carelessness
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Ensari Özay also stated that house fires generally occur due to carelessness and a lack of preventive measures, adding, “Electrical installations should be regularly maintained, attention should be paid to open flame use, precautions regarding cigarette use should be taken, heating systems should be used safely, fire extinguishing devices should be kept, individuals should be prepared for emergency scenarios, and awareness should be raised to create a safety culture in society.”
