With more than 900 kitchen-related house fires recorded across Victoria in less than 12 months, the state’s fire services are delivering safety warnings during National Burns Awareness Month.
Between May 17 last year and March 31 this year, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) attended 750 residential fires that started in the kitchen, accounting for nearly half (39.8%) of all residential fires within its jurisdiction during that period.
During the same period, CFA responded to 219 structure fires originating in the kitchen, representing 28.3% of all house fires in CFA serviced areas.
The combined total equates to an average of just over three kitchen fires each day in Victoria.
Among those who’ve been affected by a kitchen fire is Melbourne woman Jen Vuk, who suffered serious burns in September 2024 after her flowing top caught alight while she was making tea on a gas stovetop.
“Before I’d even had the chance to realise what was happening, the flames had already devoured my top and was spreading fast across my chest, up my neck and under my arm. It felt like it wanted more with every second,” Ms Vuk said.
“I tried to put the fire out by sprinkling water from the tap onto myself. It didn’t help. In fact, it only helped to fan the flames,” she said.
Ms Vuk believes that if it weren’t for the quick actions of her family, including her then 17-year-old son who came to her aid and removed most of her burning clothes, and standing under a cold shower for 20 minutes before being taken to The Alfred, her injuries would have been much worse.
She spent two weeks in the Alfred burns unit and underwent multiple surgeries.
She suffered mid to deep dermal burns to her chest, neck, right arm and back, and superficial burns to her face.
Now months into recovery, Ms Vuk hopes that by sharing her experience she can help others understand how quickly life changing incidents can unfold.
“If this helps even one person remember to stop, drop and roll when their clothes catch fire, then job done,” she said.
Unfortunately, stories such as Ms Vuk’s are on the rise.
Acting deputy director of the Victorian Adult Burns Service at The Alfred Dr Tam Quinn said “we’ve already seen a 21% increase in patients presenting with burns sustained in the home this year, and many of these patients require surgery and skin grafting.”
“Any burn injury requiring grafting can be life changing, because while lifesaving, they can leave scarring and result in some functional impairment,” Dr Quinn said
“Depending on the severity of the burn, patients may require prolonged stays in the intensive care unit, weeks in hospital and potentially a rehabilitation facility. In the long-term patients may require months to years of scar management, not to mention the psychological impact that such an injury can have,” she said.
Victoria’s fire agencies encourage all Victorians to take the following steps to remain safe while in the kitchen:
• Pay attention in the kitchen and never leave cooking unattended.
• Take extra care around open flames if wearing flowing or loose-fitting clothing.
• Always supervise children, keep them away from the stove top and oven.
• Keep stove top, griller, oven, range hood and cooking area free from built up grease, dust and oil.
• Combustibles such as tea towels and paper towels must be kept away from cooking and heat sources.
• Make sure kitchen appliances are clean and in good working order. Keep pot handles turned in.
• A fire extinguisher and fire blanket should be installed within easy reach but away from the cooking area.
• Victorian Fire Services recommend that you only use a fire extinguisher or fire blanket if you feel physically and mentally able to use this equipment safely.
