Cooking is a daily part of life, but sometimes it comes with surprises. One of the scariest moments in the kitchen is when food inside your oven suddenly catches fire. While it doesn’t happen often, it’s important to know exactly what to do—both to stay safe and to protect your appliance.
At KWR Appliances, we’ve helped countless customers with ovens after kitchen mishaps, so here’s a step-by-step guide you can keep in mind.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Don’t Open the Oven Door
Your first instinct might be to fling the oven door open—but that’s the worst thing you can do. Oxygen feeds fire, and opening the door can cause flames to flare up and spread. Instead, keep the oven door shut and stay calm.
Step 2: Turn Off the Oven Immediately
If it’s safe to do so, reach for the controls and switch the oven off. Cutting off the heat source will help stop the fire from growing.
Step 3: Keep the Oven Door Closed Until Flames Go Out
By keeping the door shut, you’re essentially suffocating the fire. In most cases, the flames will burn out quickly on their own once the heat is off and oxygen is cut off.
Step 4: If the Fire Persists, Use a Fire Extinguisher
If flames continue after a minute or two, use a Class B or multipurpose (ABC) fire extinguisher. Never pour water on an oven fire—water and grease don’t mix, and it can cause dangerous splattering.
Step 5: Call 911 if the Fire Gets Out of Control
Your safety and your family’s safety come first. If the fire continues to grow or spreads beyond the oven, evacuate immediately and call emergency services.
After the Fire: Inspect and Clean Safely
Once the fire is out and the oven has cooled completely:
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Check for damage to the interior, racks, and heating elements.
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Clean up carefully—remove charred food, but avoid harsh scrubbing if surfaces are damaged.
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Schedule a professional inspection if you notice any lingering odors, damage to wiring or elements, or heavy smoke residue.
KWR Appliances can help determine if your oven is safe to use or if it’s time for a replacement.
How to Prevent Oven Fires in the Future
Most oven fires are preventable. Here are a few quick tips:
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Always use a timer so food doesn’t overcook or burn.
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Avoid placing food too close to heating elements.
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Keep your oven clean—built-up grease and food debris are a common fire starter.
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Don’t leave your kitchen unattended when using the oven at high heat.
Final Thoughts
A small oven fire doesn’t always mean the end for your appliance, but it’s a reminder that safety comes first. By keeping calm, keeping the door shut, and knowing when to act, you can stop a kitchen scare from turning into something bigger.
At KWR Appliances, we want your appliances to be safe, reliable, and long-lasting. If you’ve experienced an oven fire and aren’t sure about your unit’s condition, give us a call or stop by—we’ll help you decide whether it’s repairable or if it’s time to upgrade.
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