Monday, October 07, 2013
Kitchen fires the focus during Fire Prevention Week
Ottawa – Ottawa residents are being asked to include fire prevention as a key ingredient in all their recipes this week and throughout the year. Councillor Mark Taylor, chair of Community and Protective Services Committee, read a proclamation today at Fire Station 47 in Barrhaven, declaring October 6 to 13 Fire Prevention Week in Ottawa.
The theme for Fire Prevention Week 2013 is Prevent Kitchen Fires and Get Cooking with Fire Safety.
“Cooking is the number one cause of household fires in Ontario,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “Adding an ounce of prevention in the kitchen makes the perfect recipe for home fire safety.”
Barrhaven Councillor Jan Harder praised Ottawa Fire Services for its promotion of fire safety throughout the year and Councillor Taylor explained the role of fire prevention officers during Fire Prevention Week.
“There are activities taking place citywide to promote fire safety to Ottawa residents of all ages,” said Councillor Taylor, adding that outreach activities are spread throughout the month of October. “There is so much to do, that one week isn’t enough to get it all done.”
Fire prevention officers will set up display tables at Carlingwood and St. Laurent Shopping Centres, and read stories in all branches of the Ottawa Public Library this week. For a complete list of Fire Prevention Week activities, please go to ottawa.ca.
Fire Chief John deHooge listed and demonstrated some fire safety tips for the kitchen, including:
- When you’re cooking, never leave the kitchen and pay attention to what you have in the oven or on the stove.
- Even if you are only cooking on the stovetop, keep an oven mitt and pot lid nearby to smother the flame.
- Never wear loose fitting clothing while cooking. Loose clothing is more likely to catch fire.
- Never move a burning pan. You risk the chance of your clothing catching on fire.
- Never place a burning pan in the sink filled with water. Water can increase the size of the flames and possibly spread the fire.
“Statistics show nearly 40 percent of house fires start in the kitchen, and a large number of those result in serious damage and often injuries and fatalities,” said Chief deHooge.
Those who attended today’s launch also got a sneak peak at the new Ottawa Fire Services Learning Centre, a customized trailer that will be used for fire prevention training at schools and seniors’ residences.
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