Hi there,
Let me ask you something: When was the last time you looked around your kitchen and asked, “What here could start a fire?”
For most people, the answer is “never.” That’s where the danger lies.
Kitchens are the heartbeat of the home — but they’re also one of the most common places where fires start. Today, I’m shining a light on 5 fire hazards that quietly sit in kitchens all over the world… waiting.
Let’s uncover them, one by one.
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1. Cracked or Frayed Electrical Cables
That old blender you’ve had for years? The kettle with the cord that’s always twisted? When appliance cords start to fray or crack, they can spark — especially near water or heat. Replace damaged cords immediately, and never run them under rugs or across wet countertops.
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2. Grease Build-Up
Grease doesn’t just make a mess — it stores heat and spreads flames. A greasy stovetop or extractor fan is like kindling for a fire. Always clean oil splatters and surfaces after cooking, especially under burners or inside ovens.
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3. Overloaded Sockets
If your microwave, fridge, kettle, and air fryer are all plugged into one multi-socket extension… we need to talk. Overloaded circuits can overheat fast. Large appliances should always go directly into the wall socket. Spread the load — don’t stack the risk.
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4. Cloths and Towels Near Heat
Dish towels hung over oven handles or left near gas burners might seem innocent… until they catch fire. Keep all flammable materials — aprons, mitts, serviettes — well away from open flames or hot plates. One careless flick of the wrist is all it takes.
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5. Cooking Without Supervision
Let’s be real: walking away from your pot to check your phone or do “just one thing” is a fire hazard. Most kitchen fires happen in seconds — often when someone thought they’d be right back. Stay put while you cook. Better still, keep a small fire extinguisher nearby.
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Here’s a quick check for you
Stand in your kitchen right now and answer this:
• Are there cords near water?
• Is there grease on or behind your stove?
• Are your sockets overcrowded?
• Where are your towels placed?
• If a small fire broke out, could you stop it?
If the answers made you pause, then this post did its job.
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Fire safety starts with awareness. And awareness starts with one person — you.
Tag someone who needs to do a kitchen audit. Or better still, share this blog and let’s make homes safer together.
Until next time,
PADDIE
Helping you spot the danger before the danger spots you
