Kitchen fire safety
Never leave cooking unattended
Stay in the kitchen while the stove is on; turn it off before you leave.
Why it matters
Oil, food, or nearby combustible items can overheat and catch fire quickly. Low heat, soup cooking, or a timer does not make unattended cooking safe.
Wrong action
Leaving the kitchen to take a call, care for a child, or go out while the stove is still on.
Correct action
Stay close enough to supervise the stove and turn off the heat or power before leaving for any reason.
What to do
- Remain in the kitchen while the stove is operating.
- Keep cloths, paper, and other combustible items away from the hob.
- Before leaving, turn off the heat and check that the flame or heating indicator is off.
If something happens
If cooking catches fire, do not risk handling it yourself. Leave immediately and call 999 from a safe place.
Sources and review
- Hong Kong Fire Services Department — Home Fire Safety
Source checked: 2026-08-19 - GovHK — Fire Safety at Home
Source checked: 2026-08-19
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.
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