Kitchen fire safety reminders

Following a recent increase in kitchen fires, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) is reminding residents of the dangers of cooking with oil. 

LFES crews have responded to several recent incidents where cooking oil was left unattended on the stove, leading to flashover fires. In one case, occupants were alerted by their smoke alarm and managed to extinguish the fire with a fire blanket before calling 9-1-1. No injuries were reported, but the home sustained extensive smoke damage.

Kitchen fires can spread fast, causing severe burns and significant property damage. LFES encourages residents to follow these safety tips:

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking – never leave food unattended when frying, boiling, grilling or broiling; always turn off the burner if you leave the kitchen. 
• Keep a lid nearby when cooking – if a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by sliding the lid over the pan and turning off the heat. 
• Never use water on a grease fire – water can cause flames to spread. Instead, use a fire extinguisher, a fire blanket or a heavy damp cloth to smother the flames. 
• Keep combustibles away from your stove – oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, curtains and anything that can catch fire should be kept clear of the stove. 
• Clean your stove – keep the stovetop, burners and oven clean to prevent fueling a fire from built-up grease and food residue. 
• Install and regularly test smoke alarms – a working smoke alarm provides early warning and can help save lives! 

Cooking fires are one of the leading causes of home fires and injuries. LFES encourages residents to take precautions and call 9-1-1 immediately if a fire occurs. 

For more fire prevention tips, visit Lethbridge.ca/fire 

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Call or chat with 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.