BC Fire Injuries and Fatalities from 2008 to 2012     chart from BC Annual Statistical Fire Report 2012

Prince George, BC – Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and fire-related injuries in BC, in cases where firefighters are able to determine the fire’s origin…

According to Emergency Management BC, there were 811 fires related to cooking equipment last year, with 33-percent of fire injuries caused by cooking and equipment and 34-percent of residential fires starting in kitchens.

That’s why the theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week is ‘Prevent Kitchen Fires’.  Fire officials are encouraging families to ensure that every member – from parents and young adults, to teens and toddlers – knows about safety in the kitchen.

Emergency Management BC and the Office of the Fire Commissioner are supporting local fire officials during prevention with with a fire safety activity booklet for children ages 5 to 8 that highlights fire and burn hazards, knowing what to do in case of a fire and home escape planning.  Some tips for adults include: ensuring you have working smoke alarms, turning the stove off if you have to leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, and keeping flammable items like dish towels at least one-metre away from the stove.  (click here, for more resources) 

"This year’s theme, Prevent Kitchen Fires’ is a very important reminder to use caution when cooking and to be watchful around heat and open flame," says Fire Chiefs’ Association of BC President, Tim Pley.  "It’s also very important to ensure you have working smoke alarms in your home; test them regularly and remember: smoke alarms save lives, but don’t last forever."

People are encouraged to check the batteries on their smoke alarms monthly and to clean the devices twice per year.