• Cooking Fire Facts
• Cooking Fire Safety
• Smoking Fire Facts
• Smoking Fire Safety
• Washington Fire Facts
• General Fire Safety
• Fire Prevention Week Open House
• NFPA Fire Prevention Week Web Site
• Reducing High Risks of Seniors Dying in Fires

"Prevent Cooking Fires – Watch What You Heat"

Olympia—It's time for Fire Prevention Week, and from October 8-14 the State Fire Marshal is joining forces with the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to remind residents to 'Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat.'

During this year's fire safety campaign, firefighters and safety advocates will be spreading the word about the dangers of cooking fires--most of which result from unattended cooking—and teaching residents how to prevent cooking fires from starting in the first place.

According to the latest NFPA research, cooking is the leading cause of home fires. One out of three home fires begins in the kitchen—more than any other place in the home. Cooking fires are also the leading cause of home fire-related injuries.

“After having a fire that started in the kitchen, residents often say that they only left the kitchen for a few minutes.” Reported State Fire Marshal Mike Matlick.  “That's all it takes for a dangerous fire to start. We hope that Fire Prevention Week will help us get the message out there before the next kitchen fire happens.”

Smoke alarms are the most effective early warning device available for the home. Since they were introduced to consumers in the 1970’s they have helped to reduce the home fire death rate by one half. Even though they are now widely popular, roughly 70 percent of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

In addition, residents should develop a home fire escape plan. The plan should identify escape routes in the home and show an outside meeting place where everyone can gather after they’ve escaped. Practice ensures that everyone in the home knows the fire escape plan, they’re familiar with the sound of the smoke alarm, and they know how to exit quickly.

Never leave cooking unattended. Portable space heaters should be 36 inches from anything that can burn and should be turned off when you leave the room or go to sleep. Replace or repair electrical devices with loose or frayed cords. Test your smoke alarms and above all, make and practice a home escape plan.

FIRE FACTS

Washington Fire Facts – In 2005 there were 64 fire deaths in Washington State. Listed below are the leading causes of fires and fire deaths for the state of Washington. There were 24,462 fire incidents in buildings with more than $143 million dollars in damages. For more detailed information about fire incidents, check the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS).

Cooking Fire Facts - 2006
Cooking is the fourth leading cause of fire deaths and also one of the leading causes of all fires.

• 2,300 fires started by cooking
• $8.9 million in damages
• Five fire deaths

Smoking Fire Facts – 2006
Smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths and the 3rd leading cause of all fire incidents.

• 14 Fire Deaths
• 888 Fire Incidents
• $9,790,874 in Damages