October 11, 2023
This year’s Fire Prevention Week, October 8 to 14, is dedicated to educating everyone about the small but important actions they can take when cooking to keep themselves and those around them safe.
In Edmonton, cooking fires are a leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and related deaths. In 2022, there were 131 residential cooking-related fires in the city, causing an estimated $3.5 million in damages.
“Cooking-related fires are entirely preventable,” said Edmonton Fire Rescue Services’ Deputy Chief of Community Safety and Risk, David Lazenby. “There are simple habits that can prevent kitchen fires and fire injuries. That is why it is important that people know what they are and practice them.”
Some key safety tips to help reduce the risk of a cooking fire are:
- Watch what you heat. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking and never leave cooking unattended.
- Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
- Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
- Have a “kid and pet-free zone” of at least three feet (one metre) around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
To learn more ways to stay fire-safe in the kitchen, EFRS is hosting a number of interactive events at various locations during Fire Prevention Week. Learn more about cooking fire safety or where you can attend a kitchen safety event at edmonton.ca/firepreventionweek.
