Illinois is #2 in the country for cooking fires, State Farm says

(WAND) - Illinois ranks second for cooking fires in the United States, according to data collected by State Farm.

State Farm claims data shows cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires in the country.

The National Fire Protection Association reports there are more home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year.

From January 1, 2024, through November of 2025, State Farm has paid nearly $234 million for indoor and outdoor cooking fire losses. During that same time period, State Farm paid out more than $17 million in cooking fire related claims in Illinois. The national average for cooking fire loss was over $73,000.

The top ten states for cooking fire losses by cost during that time period are:

Georgia - $19.6M
Illinois - $17.8M
Michigan - $12.3M
Texas - $11.6M
Pennsylvania - $11.4M
Ohio - $10.9M
North Carolina - $10.6M
South Carolina - $9.7M
California - $9.6M
Virginia - $8.7M

Cooking fires account for nearly 50% of all reported home fires annually, State Farm reports. They often result from unattended cooking, grease buildup, and malfunctioning appliances.

To avoid home cooking fires, stay in the kitchen. Don't ever leave cooking food unattended. Keep flammable items away from heat sources. Maintain clean appliances. Use timers when cooking. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, and wear appropriate clothing. Lastly, turn pot handles inward to prevent accidental spills.

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