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From October 8-14, 2023, the Yellowknife Fire Division is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association to promote Fire Prevention Week. Throughout the week, safety tips will be shared related to this year’s theme, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.”

The campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take when cooking to keep themselves and those around them safe. 

“Year after year, cooking remains the leading cause of home fires by far,” said Lorraine Carli, Vice President of outreach and advocacy at the National Fire Protection Association. “This tells us that there is still work to do when it comes to educating the public about ways to stay safe when cooking.”

The Yellowknife Fire Division encourages all residents to embrace the 2023 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Cooking safety start with YOU, Pay attention to fire prevention” said Fire Chief Nelson Johnson. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”

The Yellowknife Fire Division offers these key safety tips to help reduce the risk of a cooking fire:

  • Watch what you heat. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking. Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
  • Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
  • Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
  • Have a “kid- and pet-free zone” of at least 1 meter around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association website. For fire safety fun for kids, visit sparky.org.