“Distraction in the kitchen can lead to devastation.”
That’s the message from firefighters at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) as new figures show more than half of the accidental house fires they attended last year started in the kitchen.
CDDFRS data shows that from January to December 2025, crews attended 202 accidental house fires, 125 of which started in the kitchen (61).
Figures from the previous year (January 2024 to December 2024) paint the same picture, with firefighters attending 181 accidental house fires, 99 of which started in the kitchen (55%).
CDDFRS Group Manager Jon Singleton said: “Our firefighters have seen firsthand how a moment of distraction in the kitchen can lead to devastation.
“Were urging people to never leave cooking unattended and to make sure they have working smoke alarms on every floor of their home.
“Never leave pans on the hob when you're not around.
“Take them off the heat if you must leave the kitchen - even if you think it will only be for a moment while you answer the door or phone.
“Make sure flammable items like oven gloves and tea towels are away from the hob.
“Clean the oven, hob and grill regularly as a build-up of fat and bits of food can start a fire.
“And never attempt to cook if you've been drinking alcohol. Order a takeaway instead.
“Remember, if you do have a fire in the kitchen, don't take any risks - get everyone out of your home and call 999.”
CDDFRS has now issued some top tips to help keep residents safe:
• Never leave pans on the hob unattended.
• Make sure flammable items like oven gloves and tea towels are away from the hob.
• Keep the oven, hob and grill clean.
• Don't overload sockets - use one plug in each socket.
• Never leave appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers, or dishwashers on at night.
• If you have a chip pan fire, call 999 immediately. Never use water as this will cause a fireball.
• Never use water on an electrical fire. Call 999 immediately and smother the fire with a fire blanket or use a dry powder or carbon dioxide extinguisher.
Caption: Group Manager Jon Singleton and image of kitchen fire where items were left on hob.
