Kitchen Fire Safety

 

Kitchen Fire Safety

By Dan Gray

Windsor Fire and Rescue Services is reminding citizens during national Fire Prevention Week to be

careful while they are cooking.

In front of more than 300 people outside City Hall Oct. 7, fire chief Bruce Montone’s message was

simple: be careful while you cook. City Hall was evacuated as part of the opening week’s activities.

 

“Twenty-eight thousand fires are caused by cooking,” said Montone, referring to the number of

incidents reported in Ontario each year.

 

Montone said cooking incidents rank highest in annual calls for fire assistance.  He ranks it number

one, with arson and smoking rounding out the top three.

 

According to Montone there are several ways to combat this type of fire.

 

“Don’t move pots that are on fire, wear tight-fitting clothing (while cooking) and don’t leave pots

unattended,” said Montone.

 

Firefighters were deployed all over the city last week to spread the message.  Fire trucks visited various

grocery stores Oct. 8 and 9. Officers were also outside Devonshire Mall  giving away literature and

showing children how to use a fire extinguisher.

 

Brenee Ouellette brought her son Cameron to the display after he saw the fire trucks parked at

Devonshire Mall.

 

“He says ‘I’m fireman Cam’,” said Ouellette.  She said it was a play on his favourite tv show, Fireman

Sam.

 

Ouellette said she believes it is important to teach her kids early about the dangers of fire and

the importance of fire safety.

 

At the end of the day, if the worst should happen and you have an active fire on your hands, what

should you do? According to Montone, “Get out and call us.”