Fire Prevention Week 2023 to focus on cooking safety

More than 70 home fires had cooking-related causes in Region since 2011

(Fort McMurray, AB – October 6, 2023) – Regional Emergency Services teams will be out in the community throughout Fire Prevention Week, October 8 – 14 to share important fire safety tips and information.

Across Canada and the U.S., this dedicated week focuses on sharing the small but important actions people can take to prevent fires in their homes and keep everyone safe. This year’s theme is “Cooking Safety Starts with You.”

Fire Marshal Nick Brenner says it’s an important topic. Cooking is one of the leading causes of fires in the home. Since 2011, more than 70 home and apartment fires in the Wood Buffalo region were cooking-related, second only to improperly discarded smoking materials as a cause.

“I know everyone deals with a lot of distractions, but it’s important to keep a close eye on what you’re cooking,” he noted. “If you’re baking, or cooking slowly, set a timer and keep your cooking area clear of anything that can burn like dish towels, oven mitts, food packaging, and paper towels. Stay in the kitchen as much as you can.”

Other advice he offers includes turning pot handles toward the back of the stove and keeping a lid nearby.

“If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner,” he said.

More cooking safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association are available here.

For more information about fire safety or to request for a presentation from the fire prevention team, please visit rmwb.ca/fireprevention .

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Media inquires:

media@rmwb.ca