The Fire Marshal of Ontario and Toronto Fire Services were in the kitchen today to demonstrate ways to reduce cooking fires, the leading cause of fires and the second leading cause of fatal fires in the province.  This year, to date, there have been 99 fatalities compared to the 90 of last year, during the same period.   The push to combat cooking fires comes as the province enters the holiday season, the deadliest time of the year for home fires.

QUOTES

“Cooking is responsible for starting more than 25 per cent of home fires, according to our provincial data,” said Fire Marshal of Ontario Pat Burke.  “And the majority of the time, cooking fires have started because cooking was left unattended.  It is clear people have to take responsibility and get a grip on fire safety in their homes for the protection of their families.”  

“In the last year we have seen some devastating cooking fires in the City where people have been severely injured,” said Toronto Fire Services Fire Chief Bill Stewart.  “These injuries can be avoided by staying in the kitchen while cooking, keeping items that can burn away from the stove and by keeping a large lid near the stove that can be easily slid over a pot if it catches fire.”

QUICK FACTS

Important steps to home fires include:

• Stay in the kitchen while you cook, particularly if you are using oil or high temperatures.

• Keep combustible items such as cooking utensils and paper towels, a safe distance from your stove, they can easily ignite if they are too close to a burner.

• Keep a large lid near the stove when cooking, if a pot catches fire, slide the lid over the pot and turn off the stove.

• Drink responsibly and keep an eye on those who do not. Excessive alcohol use is a contributing factor in many residential fires.  

LEARN MORE

Visit www.ofm.gov.on.ca for more information about cooking safety and to view the safe cooking public service announcements. 

-30-