What should not be left unattended when cooking to prevent fires?

Leaving cooking food unattended is a significant risk factor for kitchen fires. When food is being heated, it can easily overcook, ignite, or spill, leading to flames and smoke. The act of cooking often involves heat sources, such as stoves or ovens, which require careful monitoring. If a pot or pan is left on the heat without supervision, it can quickly reach a temperature where it ignites, causing a fire that can spread rapidly throughout the kitchen and beyond. This is why it is crucial for anyone cooking to remain present and vigilant, ensuring that they can respond immediately if a situation begins to arise.

In contrast, appliances like dryers, smoke alarms, and refrigerators do not pose the same immediate risk of fire when left unattended. While they should also be maintained and monitored for safety, the immediacy of potential fire hazards exists primarily in cooking practices. Therefore, ensuring that food is not left unattended during cooking processes is key to fire prevention in the home.