This week is Fire Prevention Week from October 4th to October 10th. The theme for this year is "Serving Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen". Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in Canada.

It is also prevalent in Cochrane as Fire Inspector, Jeff Avery points out, "We have had four calls in the last month of close calls in the kitchen."

The theme of Fire Prevention Week this year is very timely with Thanksgiving right around the corner. Avery says, "With Thanksgiving coming up, there's going to be lots of people cooking. The biggest thing is don't leave things unattended. If there is younger kids cooking, definitely teach them safety and make sure they aren't unattended either." 

Additional safety tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association include:

Wear appropriate clothing while cooking 
Keep flammable items away from the stove
Avoid too many cooks in the kitchen

Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby:
Have one handy
Be sure it’s rated for kitchen use
Make sure everyone knows how to use it.

Clean Up As You Go:
Grease is very hazardous  
Dispose of excess grease
Keep areas wiped down

Avery says that grease fires are particularily dangerous and that you must never, never throw water on a grease fire. Snuff it by putting a lid on the pot or using a towel or baking soda. He also says if anyone ever has any questions about Fire Prevention Week they can always call the station at 403-851-2540.

Station 151 in Cochrane continues to offer virtual tours of the station which you can access by clicking here.