What is the leading cause of home fires and injuries?

• A. Gas leaks
• B. Unattended cooking
• C. Electrical faults
• D. Candles

Answer: (B)

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires and injuries because food and oil can ignite quickly when a burner is left on and no one is watching. A pan can overheat, flames can flare up, and a small fire in the kitchen can grow fast if you step away. The most effective prevention is simple: stay in the kitchen while you cook, use a timer, and turn off the stove if you must leave for even a short time. Keep flammable items away from the cooking area and have a way to respond to a small fire, like slipping a lid over a pan to smother it or using a rated fire extinguisher. Other causes such as gas leaks, electrical faults, or candles can start fires, but the pattern that leads to most home fires is leaving cooking unattended.