Philadelphia Cooking Fire Damage Restoration and Clean Up

Q: Can you provide examples of metal objects that should not be placed inside a microwave?

Items like aluminum foil, metal utensils, or containers with metallic accents can cause sparks and potentially start a fire when used in a microwave.

Q: How does the temperature of cooking oil or grease play a role in causing kitchen fires?

When cooking oil or grease reaches its smoke point, it can easily ignite. Different oils have different smoke points, so it's important to use oils with high smoke points for high-temperature cooking.

Q: What are some common examples of flammable materials that should not be stored inside an oven?

Items like cardboard, paper bags, plastic containers, or oven mitts should never be stored inside an oven, as they can ignite when the oven is turned on.

Q: Are there specific types of loose-fitting clothing that pose a higher risk of catching fire in the kitchen?

Loose sleeves, flowing skirts, or apron strings are examples of clothing items that can easily come into contact with a heat source and ignite, especially when working near open flames or hot surfaces.

Q: How can Philly Damage Restoration help after a cooking fire?

Philly Damage Restoration can provide professional kitchen fire damage restoration services, including cleaning, odor removal, and repairs to restore your property.

Q: Can you give an example of how a cooking fire can start from dry cooking?

Dry cooking, such as sautéing vegetables without enough oil or liquid, can cause the food to stick to the pan and eventually burn, leading to a fire.

Q: How can homeowners safely extinguish small kitchen fires?

Small kitchen fires can be extinguished using a fire extinguisher rated for kitchen fires, or by smothering the flames with a metal lid or baking soda. Water should never be used on grease fires.

Q: What steps should be taken to clean up after a kitchen fire?

After a kitchen fire, surfaces should be cleaned with appropriate cleaners to remove soot and residue. Ventilation is also important to remove lingering smoke odors.

Q: How can homeowners ensure that their smoke detectors are functioning properly to detect kitchen fires?

Homeowners should test their smoke detectors monthly, change the batteries at least once a year, and replace the smoke detector unit every 10 years to ensure functionality.

Oven Fires
Microwave Fires
Fat, Oil, and Grease Fires
Dry Cooking Fires
Napkin, Paper Towel, Rag, and Food Package Fires

Hundreds of properties restored. Dozens of 5 star reviews. Choose the locally-owned Philly fire damage restoration company who's big enough to tackle the job but small enough to care.

When dealing with cooking and kitchen fire damage, you need a reliable and local team of Philly damage restoration experts in your corner. We've restored 100s of properties, both residential and commercial, in the Philly area and we're ready to come out and help you 24/7.

We're certified, insured, and work with all insurance companies. We understand how overwhelming it can be dealing with unexpected damage so let us assist you with your claim so you can focus on getting your life back on track.

Request a Free Estimate

or call (445) 234-4123

By submitting the form, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Cooking is an art form cherished by many Philadelphians, but it also carries a hidden danger: the risk of fire damage and home fires. According to the Philadelphia Fire Department, cooking-related fires are the leading cause of home fires in the city. Understanding the common causes of these fires can help prevent devastating consequences.

Grease Fires: A Flaming Menace

One of the most common culprits behind kitchen fires is grease. When cooking oils reach their smoke point and are left unattended or exposed to high heat, they can ignite into a dangerous grease fire. These fires can spread rapidly and cause extensive damage to the kitchen and surrounding areas.

In 2019, a Philadelphia resident narrowly escaped injury when a grease fire erupted while cooking on the stove. The flames quickly spread to nearby cabinets and caused significant damage to the kitchen before firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze.

Unattended Cooking: A Recipe for Disaster

Another frequent cause of cooking-related fires is unattended cooking. Whether distracted by a phone call, a knock at the door, or a television show, leaving cooking food unattended can lead to disaster. In 2020, a Philadelphia family experienced this firsthand when a forgotten pot of oil on the stove ignited, resulting in a kitchen fire that spread to other parts of the house.

Electrical Malfunctions: The Silent Culprit

While not directly related to cooking techniques, faulty or old electrical appliances used in the kitchen can also pose a significant fire risk. Overloaded circuits, frayed wires, and malfunctioning appliances can all spark fires if not properly maintained or replaced.

In 2018, a Philadelphia homeowner experienced a devastating kitchen fire caused by an old toaster oven with a faulty electrical cord. The fire quickly spread to the cabinets and ceiling, causing extensive damage to the kitchen and adjoining rooms.

Prevention is Key

To prevent cooking-related fires, follow these safety tips:

Never leave cooking food unattended.
Keep flammable items, such as kitchen towels and curtains, away from heat sources.
Regularly clean cooking appliances to prevent grease buildup.
Install a smoke alarm in the kitchen and test it regularly.
Have a fire extinguisher within reach in case of emergency.

Common Causes of Cooking Fire Damage We've Seen

When it comes to kitchen fires caused by cooking, we’ve seen it all.

Oven Fires

Oven fires often occur due to food debris or spills left inside the oven, which can ignite when the oven is turned on, or due to flammable materials being stored in the oven and forgotten about.

Microwave Fires

Microwaves can cause fires when food is overcooked or if there are metal objects placed inside, leading to sparks and potential fires. Improper use, such as microwaving items not intended for microwave use, can also cause fires.

Fat, Oil, and Grease Fires

These fires happen when cooking oil or grease becomes too hot, leading to ignition. This can occur if the oil is left unattended on the stove or if it overheats due to cooking at high temperatures.

Dry Cooking Fires

Dry cooking fires can result from cooking food without enough liquid or fat, causing the food to burn and potentially catch fire.

Napkin, Paper Towel, Rag, and Food Package Fires

Fires can start when these items are accidentally left near a heat source or flame, such as a stove burner, toaster, or oven.

Loose-Fitting Clothing Fires

Loose-fitting clothing can easily come into contact with a heat source, such as a stove burner, and ignite. This risk increases when cooking with open flames or hot surfaces.