General News
9 July, 2025
Kitchen safety in focus
THE CFA is using the platform of National Burns Awareness Month to remind the public about the importance of maintaining a safe kitchen in homes and workplaces.
A joint statement this week from the Country Fire Authority and Fire Rescue Victoria confirmed this over 900 kitchen-related house fires have been recorded across the state in less than 12 months.
The alarming Victorian statistics saw FRV attend 750 residential fires that originated in kitchens between May 17, 2024 and March 31 this year, accounting for 39.8 per cent of all residential fires within FRV’s jurisdiction over the period.
During the same period, CFA units responded to 219 structure fires originating in kitchens, a figure that represented 28.3 per cent of all house fires in CFA serviced areas.
Kitchen fires are one of the most common causes of significant accidental burns to people at home and unfortunately, statewide numbers suggest the incident rate is trending in the wrong direction.
Acting deputy director of the Alfred Hospital’s Victorian Adult Burns Service, Dr Tam Quinn spoke this week about the alarming uptick in burns from household accidents.
“We’ve already seen a 21 per cent increase in patients presenting with burns sustained in the home this year, and many of these patients require surgery and skin grafting,” said Dr Quinn.
“Any burn injury requiring grafting can be life-changing because, while life-saving, they can leave scarring and result in some functional impairment.
“Depending on the severity of the burn, patients may require prolonged stays in the intensive care unit, weeks in hospital and potentially a rehabilitation facility.”
Dr Quinn also pointed out there’s often ongoing injury management involved with burns.
“In the long-term patients may require months to years of scar management, not to mention the psychological impact that such an injury can have.”
As part of their efforts to draw attention to fire safety in kitchens, Victoria’s fire agencies released a statement with a list of suggestions for all Victorians to consider when working in their own kitchens.
- Pay attention in the kitchen and never leave cooking unattended.
- Take extra care around open flames if wearing flowing or loose-fitting clothing.
- Always supervise children, keep them away from the stove top and oven.
- Keep stove top, griller, oven, range hood and cooking area free from built up grease, dust and oil.
- Combustibles such as tea towels and paper towels must be kept away from cooking and heat sources.
- Make sure kitchen appliances are clean and in good working order. Keep pot handles turned in.
- A fire extinguisher and fire blanket should be installed within easy reach but away from the cooking area.
- Victorian Fire Services recommend that you only use a fire extinguisher or fire blanket if you feel physically and mentally able to use this equipment safely.