During 2024 and 2025, 180 fires occurred due to unattended cooking pots

Kitchen fires remain one of the most common causes of home accidents worldwide. Statistics show that 49% of all fires start in the kitchen. In Bahrain, authorities recorded 180 fires in 2024 and 2025 caused by unattended cooking pots, often resulting in entire kitchens burning down, fires spreading through the house, or people suffering burns from hot oil, some of which were moderate.

Speaking on the Interior Ministry’s Al Aman social media programme, Hidd Police Station Head, Colonel Dr. Osama Bahar, highlighted the importance of kitchen safety and preventive measures. He stressed that many of these accidents can be avoided by simple awareness and precautions, saying: "To avoid these dangerous situations, teach your children and those who work for you not to leave a frying pan with oil on the stove unattended. You might be distracted or forgetful, but constant supervision can save lives."

Colonel Dr. Bahar offered practical advice for households, emphasizing the importance of never leaving cooking unattended, ensuring proper ventilation to remove harmful gases, performing regular maintenance to clean grease from ovens and stovetops, keeping safety tools such as a fire blanket and fire extinguisher on hand, and considering a fire-resistant kitchen door, which provides extra protection against fire.

Colonel Dr. Bahar concluded: "Get a fire blanket and a fire extinguisher they don’t cost much, and a fire-resistant kitchen door offers higher resistance over time, protecting your home and yourself." 

According to the National Civil Protection Platform, in case of burns from hot oil, place the affected area under lukewarm running water for at least 10 minutes, remove rings or belts if possible, and cover the burn with sterile gauze. Do not apply creams or ointments, and avoid removing blisters. For severe burns, call emergency services immediately at 999.