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News Release

The Milton Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Weekfor more than 90 years — to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” The campaign runs from Oct. 4 to Oct. 10 and works to educate everyone about simple but lifesaving actions they can take to prevent fires in the kitchen. 

According to data provided by the NFPA, the leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking. It’s especially important to educate the public about fire safety in the kitchen, since more people are cooking at home due to COVID-19.

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

“We know that cooking happens in homes every day and it must be done responsibly and safely to avoid accidents,” said Peter Gatto, Fire Chief, Milton Fire Department. “Always stay in the kitchen when cooking and keep your eyes on the cooking appliances you’re using. Cooking fires spread quickly, so it’s important to always be paying close attention to prevent a small fire from growing.”

The Milton Fire Department wants to share safety tips to help prevent cooking fires:

  • Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling. If you have to leave, turn the stove off.
  • Use a timer. If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
  • Stay alert when cooking. Avoid cooking when you are sleepy, have taken medicine or consumed drugs and alcohol.
  • Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby. 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'. Keep children at least 3 feet away from the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

While the Fire Department typically hosts an Open House to celebrate Fire Prevention Week, the event has been cancelled with respect to COVID-19.

This year, the Fire Department is hosting a digital Fire Prevention Week campaign from Oct. 4 to Oct. 10 and will be conducting outreach to educate the community about cooking safety.

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities, please visit milton.ca/FPW. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire prevention, visit fpw.org. Follow the Milton Fire Department on Twitter to participate digitally.

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For media inquiries, please contact: 

Jessica Rabaey

Communications & Marketing Advisor

905-878-7252 x2166

Email Communications Staff