Fire Protection Week focuses on kitchen safety

Governor John Kitzhaber has proclaimed October 6 – 12 National Fire Prevention Week in Oregon. In following the theme for National Fire Prevention Week Prevent Kitchen Fires, this year’s focus is safety in the kitchen, specifically cooking safety.

The Office of State Fire Marshal warns that cooking related fires are the number one cause of residential fires in Oregon

From 2008 through 2012, Oregon had 3,601 reported cooking-related fires, causing four fatalities, 219 injuries, and more than $32 million in property loss.

“Cooking-related fires are preventable, and preventing fires is everyone’s responsibility,” said Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. “Keep a watchful eye on what you cook; most kitchen fires begin when cooking food is left unattended. It’s amazing how quickly cooking on the stove can flare up causing burns or destroying your home,” warns Walker.

The Office of State Fire Marshal recommends the following fire safety tips:

* Stay in the kitchen when using the stovetop. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove

* Keep cooking area clean, including stovetop, burners, oven, and exhaust fan

* Keep anything that can catch fire – oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, and towels away from your stovetop

* Wear clothing that will not dangle onto stove burners and catch fire

* Do not use the stovetop as a countertop

* Cooking oil can ignite quickly. Heat oil slowly and watch it closely

“Never pour water on a grease fire, adds Walker. “It can spatter the grease and spread the fire.”

If a fire starts in a pan follow these tips:

* Slide a lid onto the pan to smother the flames

* Turn off the burner

* Let it cool down completely before taking off the lid

* Don’t pick up the pan and move it.