Which items should be kept away from heat and flames to reduce fire risk?

• A. Paper goods and pot holders
• B. Glassware and metal utensils
• C. Water and soap
• D. Sponges and towels

Answer: (A)

Keeping flammable materials away from heat sources is a key safety rule in the kitchen. Paper goods and pot holders are highly prone to ignition when they’re near stoves, ovens, or hot utensils. A small flare-up from a burner or a hot pan can quickly catch these lightweight, porous items and spread, turning a minor incident into a full-blown fire. That’s why storing paper towels, napkins, boxes, and fabric pot holders well away from heat and flames directly reduces the chance of a fire starting or growing.

The other items aren’t as directly risky in this context. Glassware and metal utensils themselves don’t burn, so proximity to heat doesn’t create a fire risk. Water and soap are cleaning supplies, not combustible materials. Sponges and towels can burn, but they’re less of an immediate hazard near active heat sources than paper products that routinely come into contact with flames and high heat.