Nicholai Allen, founder of Safe Soss, has shared his advice on why you shouldn't keep a hand towel near your oven door, stating that it puts fabric directly in a heat zone where conditions can change quickly. All ovens carry some level of risk, including older models with hotter exteriors or worn seals, and gas stoves with open flames. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) lists cooking as the leading cause of home fires in the US. Where to store your hand towels, Allen recommends keeping them nearby but out of harm's way. He also recommends having a fire blanket with hand pockets within arm's reach.