Week Focuses On Preventing Kitchen Fires

Stopping the most common type of fire is the focus of this week’s State Fire Prevention Week.  A majority of house fires start in the kitchen and could be easily prevented.  In 2012, Hoosier firefighters responded to more than 1,500 cooking fires. 

"Often... residents tell us they only left the kitchen for a few minutes. Sadly, that's all it takes for a dangerous fire to start." says Indiana State Fire Marshall Jim Greeson  

“Prevent Kitchen Fires” is the theme during this week’s Fire Prevention Week.  The campaign aims to spread the word and help people take simple steps to avoid accidentally starting fires. 

Tips include:

• Keeping a watchful eye on frying, broiling or boiling food
• Use back burners when possible
• Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stove
• Clean up grease spills

Cooking fires are also the leading cause of home fire-related injuries. 

National Fire Prevention Week runs from October 6-12 and was established to commemorate the great Chicago Fire of 1871.