Cooking Fire Statistics for 2025: Causes, Trends, and Prevention

Last Updated: 7/17/2025

Author: James Zhao, Sr. Tech Specialist & Alex Park, Product Specialist

Did you know that most home fires don’t start in the garage or near the fireplace, but in the kitchen? Every year, thousands of cooking-related fires ignite from simple mistakes like leaving food unattended, overheating oil, or placing flammable items too close to heat sources.

In this article, we’ll uncover the latest 2025 cooking fire statistics: what causes cooking fires, which appliances are often to blame, and when they’re most likely to occur. You'll also learn practical fire prevention tips to help you reduce the risk of a cooking fire in your home. Whether you’re an avid home chef or a quick-meal cook, these insights will help you stay safe in the kitchen.

At FOTILE, we believe fire prevention starts with smarter appliance design. Our innovative appliances come with built-in safety features and powerful ventilation systems to reduce fire hazards in your home. Browse our range hoods, ranges, cooktops, and ovens today to fireproof your kitchen and cook with confidence.

How many home fires are caused by cooking each year?

Between 2017 and 2021, an estimated 158,000 home fires started as a result of cooking. These numbers highlight just how common kitchen fires really are, especially when small mistakes like leaving the stove unattended can quickly escalate into emergencies.

What percentage of home cooking fires begin at the ignition stage?

A staggering 66% of home cooking fires begin right at the ignition stage, meaning the fire starts the moment heat meets a flammable material like oil, food, or even a kitchen towel. Fire safety in the kitchen often comes down to staying alert and acting fast in those first few seconds.

What percentage of home fires are caused by cooking?

Cooking is responsible for 44% of all reported home fires each year. Nearly half of all home fires start in the kitchen; more than from heating, electrical issues, or open flames. With numerous incidents linked to everyday cooking, fire prevention begins with awareness and safe kitchen habits.

How many home fires happen on Thanksgiving Day?

Thanksgiving Day sees more than 1,000 home fires, the most of any day during the year. The combination of crowded kitchens, multiple dishes cooking at once, and the distractions of holiday gatherings creates the perfect storm for holiday cooking fires.

What appliances cause the most kitchen fires?

Ranges and cooktops are involved in 53% of all kitchen fires, according to fire safety reports. These appliances are used daily and often left unattended, making them the most common ignition sources in cooking-related incidents.

What percentage of home fires are caused by cooking equipment mishaps?

49% of home fires are caused by cooking equipment mishaps, such as malfunctioning appliances, overheating, or improper use. This illustrates the importance of using kitchen appliances correctly and maintaining them properly.

What percentage of kitchen fires are caused by cooking oil, fat and grease?

Cooking oil, fat, or grease is the initial fuel source in 51% of kitchen fires. When overheated, these substances can quickly ignite and create grease fires, which are particularly hazardous and challenging to extinguish. Keeping oil at safe temperatures and never leaving it unattended is key to fire prevention.

How many cooking fires happen each day in the U.S.?

There are an average of 470 cooking-related home fires every single day in the U.S. That’s nearly one fire every three minutes, most of them caused by routine, everyday cooking.

How much damage do cooking fires cause each year?

Cooking fires cause over $1 billion in property damage every year in the U.S. From structural damage to smoke cleanup and appliance replacement, a single fire can lead to massive, unexpected expenses.

How many house fires are caused by problems with cooking equipment each year?

More than 45,000 house fires each year are directly caused by problems with cooking appliances. These include electrical issues, lack of maintenance, and user error. Scheduling regular inspections and using appliances with built-in safety features can greatly reduce these risks.

What percentage of home cooking fires are caused by the ignition of food?

Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials like packaging, paper towels, or oven mitts. Staying attentive and keeping flammable items away from burners is one of the simplest ways to reduce this risk.

What is the leading cause of home fires in the United States?

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States, with approximately 170,000 incidents reported in 2021 alone. That’s more than any other source, including heating equipment, electrical failures, or open flames.

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Reduce Fire Hazards with FOTILE’s Smart Kitchen Solutions

Fire prevention starts with smarter choices in the kitchen, from the way you cook to the appliances you use. FOTILE’s advanced appliances are equipped with built-in safety features and powerful ventilation systems, reducing fire risks so you can cook with confidence every day.

Explore our collection of innovative kitchen appliances and take the first step toward a safer, more efficient kitchen.