Preventing kitchen fires focus of Fire Prevention Week 2013

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of house fires and injuries in Ontario. The Orillia Fire Department is raising awareness on how to prevent kitchen fires during Fire Prevention Week 2013, which runs from Oct. 6 to 12 in Orillia.

“The best way to prevent kitchen fires is to never leave cooking unattended,” said Orillia Fire Chief Ralph Dominelli. “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. Sadly, that's all it takes for a dangerous fire to start.”

Help keep our community safe by taking responsibility to prevent kitchen fires from starting in the first place. Important steps to prevent kitchen fires include:

• Pay attention when cooking; especially if you are using oil or high temperatures. If you must leave 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 in your household who is drinking alcohol and attempts to cook.

The Orillia Fire Department kicks off Fire Prevention Week at the Home Depot Orillia on Saturday Oct. 5, 2013, at 10 a.m. The Fire Department will feature a live side-by-side burn demonstration at 1:30 p.m.  Attendees will witness first-hand the destructive force of fire and the amazing protective ability of home sprinklers.

For more information visit http://www.orillia.ca/en/livinginorillia/activities_whatshot.asp

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Orillia Fire Department
Fire Prevention Division
705-325-5215
ofd@orillia.ca

Jennifer Ruff
Manager of Communications
705-325-8929
705-238-9209 (cell)
jruff@orillia.ca