The kitchen is the room at the heart of every home and it’s the backbone of almost every commercial space, from bustling restaurants to cosy cafes. 

However, they also represent a unique set of fire risks when compared to other rooms. The presence of hobs, ovens, appliances and flammable oils all mean the potential for a fire in your kitchen is much higher than in other areas of the building.

Understanding the types of fires that can occur in kitchens and how to safely tackle them can be the difference between a small, manageable fire and a large, out-of-control blaze, and can therefore save lives. 

This month at Fire Safety Equipment, we’re going to look at the causes of fires in kitchens and the equipment you should have on hand to use, regardless of whether it’s a home kitchen or a cooking area within a business.

Common types of kitchen fires

• Oil and grease fires – Known as Class F fires, these are fires that develop specifically in kitchens where oils and fats are being used at high temperatures, such as in the process of frying. It only takes a split second for these to overheat and ignite, creating a dangerous situation in which the flames cannot be put out by traditional methods. This is because of the extreme temperatures of the liquids involved.
• Electrical fires – They may not be exclusive to kitchens, but electrical fires are another potential risk due to the number of appliances in the area. From toaster and kettles to microwaves and lighting, it only takes a single fault to create sparks and ignite a fire.
• Organic materials – Regular, organic materials present a fire risk in kitchens, especially when they’re not stored in the correct place, i.e. away from flames and hot surfaces. This includes items like towels, napkins, wooden trays and boxes, as well as other kitchen linens. This would be considered a Class A fire.
• Flammable liquids – The presence of alcohol and any cleaning products in liquid form can also create a risk of fire — Class B fires. In the presence of extreme temperatures and open flames, these liquids can catch alight and spread fires quickly. 

What extinguishers are used for kitchen fires?

Depending on the nature of the fire, you can use a variety of extinguishers. It’s very important to make sure the extinguisher type is the correct type for the fire, however, as you can make matters far worse if you don’t.

• Class F fires – For fires involving oils and fats, you’ll require a wet chemical fire extinguisher. This can be sprayed above the flames to then settle on the surface, cutting off oxygen to the oil and cooling them at the same time without splashing them any further.
• Electrical fires – CO2 fire extinguishers can be used on electrical fires as they displace oxygen without creating a further risk of electrocution. However, these should not be used in confined spaces as the displacement of oxygen can lead to asphyxiation. 
• Class A fires – Organic materials should be extinguished with a water fire extinguisher, foam fire extinguisher or powder fire extinguisher.
• Class B fires – If a flammable liquid is involved, you’ll need a foam or powder extinguisher to cool the liquids without spreading them.

What other fire safety equipment can be used in kitchens?

As well as having the right fire extinguishers to hand for the different scenarios you’re likely to face, you should also consider the following equipment to help safely put out a kitchen fire:

• Fire blankets – You can smother a small fire in a kitchen with a fire blanket or use it to enfold someone whose clothes have caught fire.
• Automatic fire extinguishers – When positioned above cooking equipment, a sudden fire can be extinguished almost as quickly as it began thanks to automatic extinguishers which detect heat.
• Fire safety signs – Implementing the right fire safety signs in your kitchen can give staff the quick guidance and direction they need in an emergency, either towards an exit or the nearest equipment.

Get peace of mind with the right kitchen fire safety equipment

You can provide peace of mind to your employees and customers – or for your family in the home – by ensuring you have the right fire extinguishers in place for your kitchen. And thanks to the comprehensive range here at Fire Safety Equipment, you can get all your kitchen fire safety items in one simple order — it’s just one of the reasons we’ve been awarded so many five-star reviews.

Order online today and get fast, free delivery of your high-quality fire safety equipment in the UK.