PuroClean of Reading 
The holiday season brings warmth, laughter, and the unmistakable smell of comfort foods drifting from the kitchen. But while families gather to celebrate, your kitchen becomes the most dangerous room in your home—and not because of your aunt’s questionable fruitcake. Between crowded stovetops, distracted cooks, and flammable décor, this time of year is the peak season for home cooking fires.
In fact, according to national fire safety data, Thanksgiving Day is the number one day for cooking-related home fires, followed closely by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. And the cause? Almost always the same: unattended cooking.
This is why holiday kitchen fire prevention isn’t just smart—it’s essential. With a little preparation and awareness, you can keep the joy in your celebrations and prevent disaster from ever getting a chance to spark.
Why Holiday Cooking Is So High-Risk
Between visiting relatives, excited children, and multiple dishes cooking simultaneously, your home becomes a bustling hub of distraction. Common risks include:
1. Unattended Stovetops
You step away just for a second—someone calls your name, the doorbell rings, the dog escapes, the kids start fighting—and suddenly your pan boils over, ignites, or fills the room with smoke.
2. Overloaded Outlets & Appliances
Slow cookers, electric roasters, pressure cookers, and mixers all plugged in at once can overload circuits and cause electrical fires.
3. Flammable Holiday Décor
Towels, napkins, candles, seasonal décor, and even gift bags often end up too close to open flames or hot surfaces.
4. Grease Buildup
Grease that has accumulated on stovetops, ovens, or range hoods can ignite instantly—and spread quickly.
5. Frying Hazards
Deep frying—especially turkey frying—is notorious for causing massive home and outdoor fires when not done safely.
Top Tips for Holiday Kitchen Fire Prevention
Keeping your home safe during the holidays isn’t complicated, but it does require intention. Here’s how to drastically reduce your risk.
1. Never Leave Cooking Food Unattended
This is the golden rule.
If you have to leave the kitchen—even briefly—turn off the burner.
Slow simmering? Set a timer, and check often.
Frying? Don’t walk away even for a second.
2. Keep the Cooking Area Clear
At least three feet of clearance around heat sources. Move away:
✔ Hand towels
✔ Potholders
✔ Paper towels
✔ Decorations
✔ Packaging
✔ Loose papers
✔ Cords
If you wouldn’t put it inside the stove, don’t put it near it.
3. Wear Fitted Clothing
Loose sleeves can brush across stovetops or open flames.
Opt for fitted tops or roll your sleeves up securely.
4. Clean as You Cook
Wipe spills, grease splatter, and crumbs off:
- Stove burners
- Counters
- Oven bottoms
- Air fryers and toaster ovens
Grease + heat = instant ignition.
5. Be Smart About Appliances
Don’t overload outlets, use only UL-listed appliances, and avoid daisy-chaining power strips in the kitchen.
6. Keep Kids & Pets Away
A three-foot “safety zone” around hot surfaces helps prevent burns, spills, and accidental fires.
7. Know How to Put Out Different Types of Fires
This is crucial.
🔥 Grease Fire?
• NEVER use water
• Turn off heat
• Cover with a metal lid
• Or use baking soda
• Or a Class K or multipurpose fire extinguisher
🔥 Oven Fire?
• Keep the door SHUT
• Turn off the oven
• Let flames die out
🔥 Microwave Fire?
• Keep the door CLOSED
• Unplug if safe to do so
8. Test Your Smoke Alarms Before the Holidays
Check batteries, test alarms, and ensure one is near (but not inside) the kitchen.
What to Do After a Kitchen Fire: Call PuroClean
Even small kitchen fires can leave behind lingering smoke odor, soot damage, and grease residue that’s dangerous to breathe and impossible to fully remove without professional equipment.
PuroClean specializes in:
🔥 Fire Damage Restoration
🔥 Smoke & Soot Cleanup
🔥 Odor Removal
🔥 Structural Deep Cleaning
🔥 Emergency Response (24/7)
🔥 Content Cleaning and Restoration
Our trained technicians use advanced tools and cleaning agents to restore your home safely and quickly—so you can get back to enjoying your holidays.
Whether your stovetop caught fire, something ignited inside your oven, or smoke filled your home after an overheated pan, PuroClean has the expertise to restore your property and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts: Keep the Holidays Bright, Not Burning
Your kitchen is the heart of your holiday traditions—but it can also become the source of devastating damage in just seconds. By following smart safety practices and being mindful in the busiest room of your home, you can reduce risks and keep your celebrations safe, joyful, and fire-free.
And if the unexpected happens, PuroClean is here to help you recover quickly with professional, compassionate service—any day, any time.
PuroClean of Reading 