Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has urged all residents to be more vigilant in the kitchen and implement crucial safety measures to avert cooking oil fires, which are among the most frequent causes of household accidents, particularly during this holy month of Ramadan.
In an awareness campaign shared via its official X account yesterday, the MoI reminded the public: “For your safety, take the necessary precautions to prevent cooking oil fires at home. Being aware of and following preventive measures helps protect you and your family.”
The advisory, accompanied by informative graphics, explains that cooking oil fires occur when oil is overheated beyond its smoke point, releasing flammable vapours.
These vapours can ignite rapidly and intensely when exposed to high heat, quickly escalating into a dangerous blaze that threatens lives and property.
To help households respond effectively, the MoI outlined three critical steps for extinguishing such fires.
First, turn off the heat source immediately without touching or moving the burning container. Second, cut off the oxygen supply by covering the vessel with a fire blanket, a fire-resistant lid or a damp cloth, sliding the cover gradually from one side rather than placing it directly on top. Third, never attempt to move the pan or use water, as water turns into steam, expands dramatically and scatters burning oil particles, worsening the fire.
The ministry issued a clear warning against using water on oil fires, stressing that this common mistake can transform a manageable situation into a far more hazardous one.
Prevention remains the best defence, the campaign emphasised. Residents are advised not to leave oil unattended on the stove for extended periods, to stay alert when smoke begins rising from cooking oil, to keep flammable materials away from heat sources, and to maintain a clean kitchen by regularly removing oil and grease residues.
These simple yet life-saving habits can significantly reduce risks, particularly in busy family homes across Qatar where cooking is a daily routine.
