(HealthDay News) -- Though you can't eliminate all causes of cooking fires, there are things you can do to prevent most of them.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends:
- Never cook while or after drinking alcohol.
- Never leave the kitchen while cooking. If you do have to leave the kitchen, turn off the stove.
- Never leave the house while something is roasting, simmering, broiling or baking. Check the food frequently, and set a timer to remind you when it's done.
- Keep flammable items -- including dish towels, oven mitts, food packaging, curtains and wood utensils -- away from the stove and oven.