Unattended cooking still the leading cause of fires in London
cbc.ca
At the start of Fire Prevention Week, London's Deputy Fire Chief Jack Burt wants people to be aware that unattended cooking is the number one cause of fires in London.
Over a recent four day period, there were seven serious fires in London and five of them were caused by cooks who had left the kitchen, said Burt.
"If you're cooking, stay in the kitchen and make sure you don't leave for any reason," said Burt. "If the doorbell rings or something happens where you do have to leave, grab a spatula and keep it in your hand to remind you that you still have food on the stove."
If fire breaks out when you're in the kitchen, Burt says if you can, put a lid over the top of the pot or the frying pan that's burning. That will snuff out the oxygen and cause the fire to go out.
"If you can't control the fire, make sure you get out of the house, get everybody else out and call 9-1-1."
With Thanksgiving weekend approaching, Burt reminds people to be careful about cooking when alcohol is being consumed.
"Just make sure there's somebody that's competent in the kitchen," Burt said.