What is a common cause of residential cooking fires?

Unattended cooking is indeed a predominant cause of residential cooking fires, accounting for a significant percentage of such incidents. When individuals leave food cooking on the stove, it can easily overheat, ignite, or cause an accidental spill that results in flames. This risk is particularly high with items like frying meats or using oils, which can catch fire quickly if left unattended. Multiple studies and fire reports consistently highlight unattended cooking as a primary factor in residential fire cases, making it vital for individuals to stay present while cooking and to adopt safety precautions, such as setting timers or using smart home technology that can help monitor cooking conditions.

While faulty wiring, flammable furniture, and overloaded circuits are legitimate fire hazards in residential setups, they are less directly associated with cooking activities than unattended cooking. Therefore, recognizing the importance of monitoring the cooking process is essential for fire safety in the home.