Kitchen fires are a leading domestic hazard in the U.S., causing significant damage and posing serious risks. Remarkably, 50% of all residential fires are cooking-related, with Thanksgiving marking the peak day for such incidents.
Claim Guide conducted a survey on this and found these 15 states with the most kitchen fires.
Massachusetts
Leading the chart, Massachusetts witnesses a significant 71.4% of its residential fires starting in the kitchen. Annually, this translates to about 13,137 incidents. That is 188.2 fires per 100,000 residents, highlighting a critical area for fire safety education. The state’s dense urban areas, like Boston, where multi-unit residences and older buildings are common, may contribute to this high rate. Additionally, the prevalence of college students and temporary residents in these urban areas could lead to less experienced or less cautious cooking practices, further elevating the risk.
New York
New York closely follows, with 70.8% of residential fires stemming from cooking, totaling 30,703 incidents annually. This equates to a rate of 156 fires per 100,000 residents. The bustling urban environment and the prevalence of high-rise buildings complicate fire prevention and escape routes, potentially increasing the risk and frequency of such incidents. The diversity in socioeconomic status across neighborhoods might also play a role, with some areas lacking access to modern kitchen appliances and fire prevention tools.
Delaware
With 55.4% of home fires starting in the kitchen, Delaware records 1,151 cooking fires annually, which amounts to 113 per 100,000 residents. Smaller kitchens and older housing stock might contribute to this heightened risk, as well as less awareness around fire safety protocols. Delaware’s mix of suburban and urban settings, with varying levels of fire department resources and response times, could influence these statistics as well.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, 66.1% of home fires are attributed to cooking activities, totaling 8,827 incidents per year. This is about 95.3 fires per 100,000 people. New Jersey’s densely populated cities may play a role, with many residents living in close quarters, increasing the potential for fires to start and spread. The state’s strict building codes and regulations might mitigate some risk, but the high population density still presents significant challenges for fire safety.
Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital reports 57.6% of its residential fires as cooking-related, with 549 incidents yearly or 81.7 per 100,000 residents. The unique urban layout and older, historic homes might contribute to these figures, alongside a high concentration of young professionals possibly inexperienced in cooking safely. Additionally, the transient nature of the population, with many short-term government and diplomatic assignments, may lead to a lack of familiarity with local fire safety practices.
Connecticut
Here, 52.4% of residential fires originate from the kitchen, with 2,756 such incidents reported annually, 76 per 100,000 residents. Connecticut’s mix of urban and suburban settings could influence these statistics, with varying levels of fire safety education across communities. The presence of older housing stock and historical buildings in cities like New Haven and Hartford might also be contributing factors.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island sees 62.1% of home fires starting in the kitchen, leading to 772 incidents yearly, 70.6 per 100,000. Compact living spaces and aging infrastructure in parts of the state like Providence could be contributing factors. The state’s efforts in fire safety education and community outreach programs may be crucial in addressing these risks.
Vermont
In Vermont, a smaller proportion of residential fires (35.6%) are kitchen-related, yet it still experiences 431 fires annually, translating to 66.7 per 100,000 people. The state’s rural character and possibly longer response times in emergencies might impact these numbers. Vermont’s cold climate might also lead residents to use older heating and cooking equipment, which could increase fire risk.
South Carolina
With 33.7% of residential fires due to cooking, South Carolina records 3,163 incidents annually, or 59.9 per 100,000 residents. Factors might include varied adherence to building codes across its mix of rural and urban settings, influencing how fires start and spread. The state’s focus on tourism and transient populations in coastal areas might also play a role in these statistics.
West Virginia
West Virginia reports 24.2% of home fires originating in the kitchen, with an annual total of 1,055, about 59.5 per 100,000 residents. The state’s rural nature and possibly limited access to modern fire prevention tools or educational resources could play a role. Economic challenges in some areas might also mean less investment in fire safety upgrades and community education.
Maine
Maine, typically serene, faces 30.0% of its home fires in the kitchen, totaling 812 incidents each year or 58.6 per 100,000 people. The prevalence of older homes and wood-based heating and cooking equipment might contribute to these risks. Maine’s largely rural landscape and harsh winters might also lead to increased use of indoor cooking and heating, raising fire hazards.
Illinois
In Illinois, 44.0% of home fires stem from cooking, accounting for 7,227 incidents annually, or 57.4 per 100,000 people. Urban areas like Chicago, with dense populations and high-rise buildings, may significantly impact these statistics. The state’s diverse climate, leading to heavy use of indoor cooking during colder months, and varied economic conditions across different regions might also influence fire incidence rates.
Pennsylvania
Cooking causes 45.6% of residential fires in Pennsylvania, resulting in 7,392 incidents each year, or 57 per 100,000 residents. The combination of older homes in urban areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, alongside varied socioeconomic factors, might influence these numbers. Additionally, the presence of numerous universities and student housing may contribute to a higher frequency of cooking-related fires.
Minnesota
In Minnesota, 46.1% of home fires originate in the kitchen, leading to 3,211 incidents annually, or 56.2 per 100,000 people. Weather conditions that lead residents to cook indoors more frequently, along with varying levels of kitchen safety practices, could affect this. The state’s mix of urban centers like Minneapolis and St. Paul, as well as rural areas, might also impact the distribution and frequency of these incidents.
Missouri
Closing the list, Missouri has 37.6% of residential fires beginning in the kitchen, with 3,307 incidents annually, about 53.5 per 100,000 residents. A blend of urban and rural settings, along with different levels of community awareness and preparedness, might contribute to these figures. Missouri’s diverse population and economic disparities across regions might also play a role in these fire statistics.
