Kitchen fire safety
Keep cloths, paper, and flammable items away from the stove
Before turning on the stove, remove cloths, kitchen paper, packaging, plastic bags, and aerosol cans from the cooking area.
Why it matters
A combustible item can ignite quickly near flame or a hot surface, and a light item may be moved toward heat by air or a passing person.
Wrong action
Leaving a cloth, paper, plastic bag, package, or aerosol can on or beside the stove.
Correct action
Move every non-cooking item to its fixed safe place before ignition and keep the stove area clear throughout cooking.
What to do
- Check the hob, surrounding counter, and area below the hood.
- Remove cloth, paper, plastic, packaging, and aerosol cans.
- After cooking, turn off heat and let the surface cool before arranging nearby items.
If something happens
If an item catches fire, do not take risks to save it. Turn off heat only if safe, leave, close the door, and call 999.
Sources and review
- Hong Kong Fire Services Department — Keep Your Home Fire Safe
Source checked: 2026-08-20
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.
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