HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — National Fire Prevention Week is October 4th through 10th. The theme for Fire Prevention Week 2020 is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen”.
Huntsville Fire & Rescue is taking this week to remind people to practice fire safety when cooking.
Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires. They make up about half of the fires in Huntsville.
Huntsville Fire Marshal Dan Wilkerson says it's important to keep an eye on what you fry. He says most cooking fires are caused by overheating grease.
"Never pick up the pot or the skillet and try to carry it outside," said Wilkerson. "Obviously, when you walk with it, the fire gets blown back towards you and we've seen injuries happen because of that."
When cooking, always stay in the kitchen. If you're cooking foods that take longer to cook, set a timer and check on it often.
If you do have a grease fire, do not try to put it out with water. Firefighters recommend placing a large pan over the fire and calling 9-1-1.
In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance. The goal of the week is to teach people how to stay safe in case of a fire and provide information to help prevent fires.
Fire Prevention Week is observed during the week of October 9th every year. It commemorates the Great Chicago Fire, which caused devastating damage and killed more than 250 people.
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