The accident that a few weeks ago destroyed a building in Valencia, causing the death of 10 people, originated in the kitchen of one of the floors. This is stated by the experts investigating the case and who point to an electrical failure in a plugged-in appliance as the probable cause of the fire. Beyond the role that the facade insulation played in the spread, the truth is that the kitchen is one of the most common sources of domestic fires, as certified by numerous studies by firefighters and insurance companies. Therefore, it never hurts to remember some basic precautions and tips to keep in mind.
Although what happened in Campanar has triggered all the alarms and the latest news encourages us to look at our kitchens with a certain distrust, as always it is not a question of getting carried away by alarmism. Spain’s data continues to be among the best in Europe in terms of domestic fires. And we must not forget that more or less current installations have automatic disconnection systems in the event of a possible electrical failure of a device.
However, it is true that a simple spark or carelessness can be the cause of a fire at home. And according to 2020 data from insurer AXA based on domestic fires, 60% of cases started in the kitchen. That is to say, what happened in Valencia, far from being something exceptional, complies to the letter with the statistical script.
In any case, it is also true that the mortality of fires originating in the kitchen seems to be lower than those related to heating systems or cigarettes in bed, which continue to be common sources. According to the latest report prepared each year by Fundación Mapfre with APTB (Professional Association of Firefighter Technicians), in 2022 the kitchen was the cause of fire in accidents that caused the death of 20 people throughout the country. More specifically, in the cases analyzed, there are 9 victims of fire whose origin was cooking. A small number compared to the 56 deaths linked to electrical problems, some of them in the kitchen.
And in the kitchen, what is the most dangerous appliance? Again, few surprises: the pans. The main cause of most fires that start at home is leaving a pot or frying pan on the fire, followed by the oven, fire or fryer. “Avoid distractions when you have anything on the fire. A conversation on the phone, a program on television or searching for something on the Internet can make us forget that we have the kitchen fire on,” the Department of the Interior of the Generalitat recommends in its fire prevention guide.
Things become more complicated – experts point out – if oil also enters the equation, which not only facilitates the creation of a flame that can spread, but also produces a classic mistake when a fire is detected: trying to put it out with water. Far from achieving this, the flames will jump with the liquid and if there are rags or fabrics nearby, the consequences can be dire.
Anyway, there is another appliance that seems much more harmless but plays a key role in many home fires: the extractor hood. The importance of keeping it clean and free of accumulated grease is one of the recurring pieces of advice from firefighters to prevent a spark from the pan from igniting the grease in the hood and, furthermore, from spreading to the furniture through the ventilation pipes. if they also have accumulated grease or their installation is not correct.
Heat sources are often pointed out as potential dangers, which is why the toaster has a rather bad reputation. In reports from the United States it is mentioned among the most dangerous devices, but not in Spain. In theory, the ignition system of these appliances prevents something from burning by having a timer, but it is true that the accumulation of crumbs or dirt can cause a small flame.
However, electrical failures have become the main cause of domestic fires in recent years, as highlighted by successive studies by Fundación Mapfre on the subject. Also in the kitchen and, in fact, that seems to be the cause of the fateful fire in Valencia.
In this sense, overloading extension cords or thieves is a potential source of problems. A common practice in kitchens where there is no recent installation or there are no sockets at hand to be able to have large and small appliances connected simultaneously.
In fact, one of the biggest dangers that is typically overlooked is running appliances unattended at night, home fire reports warn. A classic way to take advantage of the cheapest electricity rates is, in the case of the kitchen, to leave the dishwasher running or programmed.
A more or less common practice in many homes but which entails certain dangers, because if there is a failure and a fire starts, it could spread while you are sleeping. We must not forget that, according to statistical data from recent years, the majority of fatal fires occur at night.
Therefore, beyond these tips focused on the kitchen area to avoid or minimize risks, the APTB insists on the importance of installing smoke detectors at home. “Poisoning due to inhalation of smoke and toxic gases is the main cause of death in domestic fires in Spain: 76.1% or, in other words, 3 out of every 4 people who died could have had the opportunity to save themselves if they had had a smoke detector installed,” they point out.
