Galley fire: Failure to follow stove/oven installation instructions

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 25 May 2017
  • Generated on 30 August 2025
  • IMCA SF 12/17
  • 1 minute read

The United States Coastguard (USCG) has published Marine Safety Alert 02-17, relating to a fire on an offshore platform.

A manufacturer had improperly installed a commercial grade electric stove. As a result, the platforms crew was awakened by the sound of smoke alarms from a galley fire. They acted quickly to isolate and fight the fire and were assisted by another vessel.

The crew's rapid response limited the damage, which could have been much worse.

Lessons learned

Members should be reminded of the importance of following instructions when installing or indeed operating galley cooking equipment, and in particular may wish to ensure that all commercial grade stoves and ovens are installed with the proper clearances to prevent ignition of combustible materials.

The full Safety Alert can be found on the USCG website.

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