October 4 - 10 is National Fire Prevention Week

October 4-10, The City of Castlegar Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years —to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” The campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.

According to the Office of the Fire Commissioner, cooking is one of the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in British Columbia.

“We know cooking fires can be prevented,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice-president of outreach and advocacy. “Staying in the kitchen, using a timer, and avoiding distractions such as electronics or TV are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes.”

The Castlegar Fire Department encourages all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme.

“The most important step you should take before making a meal is to “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” said Fire Chief Sam Lattanzio. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”

Castlegar Fire Department wants to share safety tips to keep you from having a cooking fire.

• Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling. If you have to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
• You have to be alert when cooking. You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.
• Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
• Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

The BC Fire Training Officers Association, BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund, Fire Chiefs’ Association of BC, Fire Prevention Officers’ Association of BC, First Nations’ Emergency Services Society, FortisBC and Office of the Fire Commissioner are hosting a fire and burn prevention contest, with an opportunity to win some fantastic prizes for students in our community. Details on the contest, including deadlines, rules and prizes, can be found on the Office of the Fire Commissioner's website at www.gov.bc.ca/FireSafety/FirePreventionWeek.

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Castlegar, please contact the Castlegar Fire Department. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire prevention, visit www.fpw.org.

Contact information:
Castlegar Fire Department
250-365-3266
firehall@castlegar.ca