Cooking fires can ignite in seconds — from overheated oil, a forgotten pan, or a brief moment of distraction — and spread faster than most people expect. Yet one of the most effective tools for stopping them early is also one of the most commonly absent from home kitchens: a fire extinguisher. Here is what you need to know to choose, place, and use one correctly.
Why a fire extinguisher belongs in every kitchen before you need it
Most people think about buying a fire extinguisher after a close call. Safety experts argue the opposite: “A fire extinguisher isn’t something you should buy after an accident. It’s something you want available before you ever need it.”
