Cooking fires are the leading cause of residential fires and associated injuries across the nation.  The NFPA reported that during the years 2003 – 2006, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 150,200 cooking fires per year.  These fires cause annual average of 4,660 civilian injuries, 500 civilian deaths and $756 million in direct property Damage.  Unattended cooking was the leading contributing factor.  During the years 2007 – 2009, the Independence Fire Department responded to 86 residential cooking fires.

To help prevent cooking fires please follow these simple and effective tips:

• Stay in the kitchen.  Unattended cooking is the primary cause of kitchen fire.
• Wear clothes that fit.  Loose fitting clothing can catch fire.
• Keep the stove and oven clean.  Grease and food build up can catch fire.
• Have a 3 foot “no-go-zone” for children.  When they are older, teach fire safety.
• Turn handle inward.  This will prevent spills and injuries.

In the event of a kitchen / cooking fire you should know what to do:

• When in doubt, get out.  If you are unsure of your abilities, remove yourself from the home and call 911 from a safe phone.
• Purchase a kitchen rated fire extinguisher.
• For small fires, cover the item with a lid and turn off the heat source.
• For oven fires, keep the door closed and turn off the heat source.
• For microwave fires, keep the door closed and unplug it if possible.