Oregon Fire Prevention Month Starts with a Focus on Cooking Safety

As the fall season takes hold in Oregon, the Oregon State Fire Marshal and the Oregon fire service are teaming up to remind residents about the critical importance of fire safety when cooking. October has been designated as Fire Prevention Month in the state, with a specific emphasis on promoting awareness and practices related to cooking safety.

This year’s theme for Fire Prevention Month is aptly named: “Cooking Safety Starts with You. Pay Attention to Fire Prevention.” The aim is to underscore the significance of fire safety in the kitchen and encourage every Oregonian to take proactive steps to prevent cooking-related fires.

Cooking fires represent the number one cause of home fires in the state. In 2022, out of 2,924 reported residential fires in Oregon, a startling 537 were directly connected to cooking accidents. These incidents resulted in substantial financial losses, totaling an overall average of $5.4 million in damages to homeowners annually.

Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple stressed the need for heightened awareness, stating, “In Oregon, cooking is the leading cause of home fires, and it imposes significant financial burdens on families. This October, we’re raising awareness and asking Oregonians to take action to prevent kitchen disasters.”

To mitigate the risk of kitchen fires, home chefs can follow some straightforward guidelines:

Keep a close eye on what you’re cooking.
Never leave cooking unattended.
Clear the cooking area of flammable items such as dish towels, food packaging, and oven mitts.
Establish a three-foot kid- and pet-free zone around the cooking area.
Ensure that a lid or cookie sheet is within reach while cooking to smother flames in case of a fire.
Never attempt to extinguish a grease fire with water.

For those seeking additional information and resources on Fire Prevention Month and cooking safety, visit the official website dedicated to the campaign. By following these precautions and raising awareness about the importance of cooking safety, Oregonians can help protect their homes and loved ones during this Fire Prevention Month and beyond.