The best way to prevent kitchen fires is to never leave cooking unattended, says Mapleton Fire Chief Rick Richardson.
The chief’s advice comes as part of Fire Prevention Week – Oct. 6 to 12 – and its theme to “Prevent Kitchen Fires.”
Officials say unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires and injuries in the province.
“Often when we’re called to a fire that started in the kitchen, the residents tell us that they only left the kitchen for a few minutes,” said Richardson. “Sadly, that’s all it takes for a dangerous fire to start. Help keep our community safe by taking responsibility to prevent fires from starting in the first place.”
Important steps to prevent kitchen fires include:
– pay attention when cooking, especially if using oil or high temperatures. If leaving the room for any reason, turn off the stove;
– wear tight-fitting or rolled up sleeves when using the stove. Loose, dangling clothing can easily catch fire;
– keep a proper fitting lid near the stove. If a pot catches fire, slide the lid over the pot and turn off the stove;
– never attempt to move a burning pot;
– keep a close eye on anyone who is drinking alcohol and attempts to cook;
– keep combustible items such as cooking utensils, dishcloths, paper towels and pot holders a safe distance from the stove; and
– keep children away from the stove. Make sure electrical cords are not dangling from counter tops, as they could be pulled over by small children.
Wellington County Fire Departments will be holding a number of events throughout next week to raise public awareness about Fire Prevention Week and the importance of preventing kitchen fires.
For more information on Wellington County fire departments, contact:
– Centre Wellington, call 519-843-1950 or visit http://cwfirerescue.webs.com;
– Erin, call 519-855-4407 or visit www.erin.ca/Departments/Fire;
– Guelph-Eramosa, call 519-856-9637 or visit http://get.on.ca/town-hall/fire-department.aspx;
– Mapleton, call 519-638-2949 (Drayton station) or 519-638-2000 (Moorefield); or visit http://www.mapletonfirerescue.com;
– Minto, call 519-343-3735 (Palmerston station), 519-327-8411 (Clifford) or 519-338-3046 (Harriston); follow on Twitter @mintofiredept; or visit http://www.mintofiredept.on.ca;
– Puslinch, call 519-837-6090 or visit http://www.puslinchfirerescue.ca; and
– Wellington North, call 519-848-3500 (Arthur station) or 519-323-1441 (Mount Forest); or visit http://www.wellington-north.com/residents/emergency-fire-services.aspx.
