Heading off to university is an exciting milestone. For many students, it’s the first taste of independence – new friends, new surroundings, and, for some, the first time cooking for themselves. But with independence comes responsibility, and nowhere is that more important than in the kitchen.
During Student Fire Safety Week, CDS is shining a spotlight on one of the leading causes of fires in student accommodation: cooking accidents.
The Risk of Kitchen Fires in Student Halls
According to the London Fire Brigade, more than 1,200 cooking-related fires and false alarms occur in university student halls across the city each year. Across the UK, the trend is the same as cooking consistently tops the list of fire causes in student housing.
The triggers are often simple:
- A pan of oil left heating for too long
- A pizza forgotten in the oven
- Or the all-too-common unattended frying session after a night out
While these may sound familiar, they can escalate quickly into emergencies that put students and property at risk.
Why Are Students at Higher Risk?
Life in student halls is different to most residential settings, and that comes with unique risks:
- Unfamiliarity with cooking equipment: Many students arrive with little experience using ovens, hobs, or microwaves. Inexperience can lead to mistakes.
- Distractions: Phones, coursework, and flatmates all compete for attention, making it easy to forget something on the stove.
- Communal living: Overcrowded kitchens and multiple people cooking at once create cluttered, higher-risk environments. Responsibility can also be blurred as students often assume “someone else” will take care of it.
Essential Cooking Safety Tips for Students
Cooking fires are preventable with the right habits. Some simple steps can make all the difference:
- Never leave cooking unattended – stay in the kitchen, especially when using oil or high heat.
- Limit distractions – avoid scrolling or studying while cooking.
- Keep appliances clean – grease build-up can ignite easily.
- Use a timer – handy reminders help prevent food from being forgotten.
- Don’t cook under the influence – if you’ve been drinking or are tired, opt for a cold snack or takeaway instead.
The Importance of Working Fire Alarms
In student halls, smoke alarms are often triggered by burnt toast or steam from cooking. But rather than seeing them as a nuisance, it’s vital students remember they’re a lifesaving tool.
Disabling alarms or removing batteries is never the answer. Instead, improving ventilation, reducing oil use, or paying closer attention while cooking can help cut down on false activations without compromising safety.
What to Do in Case of a Kitchen Fire
If a cooking fire does break out, knowing how to respond is crucial:
- Never use water on grease fires as this will make the flames spread.
- Smother the flames with a lid or fire blanket.
- Turn off the heat if safe to do so.
- Evacuate and call the fire brigade if the fire cannot be controlled immediately.
How Accommodation Providers Can Help
At CDS, we work with some of the UK’s largest student accommodation providers, so we know just how important it is to create safe communal living environments. Providers can take steps to reduce risk by:
- Conducting regular inspections to keep alarms, extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment in top condition.
- Educating students with workshops on fire safety, evacuation drills, and safe cooking practices.
- Installing kitchen fire suppression systems, which can quickly tackle flames before they spread.
Creating Safer Student Communities
Cooking fires may be the most common cause of incidents in student halls, but they are also some of the most preventable. With the right habits from students and the right support from accommodation providers, the number of fires in student housing can be significantly reduced.
At CDS, we’re committed to helping student operators create safe, compliant, and supportive living environments – so students can focus on what really matters: enjoying their university experience.
Want to strengthen fire safety in your student accommodation portfolio? Contact us today to find out how we can help.
