National Fire Prevention Week is being observed from Sunday, October 8 to Saturday, October 14.

Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance in 1925.

The theme for Fire Prevention Week this year is “Cooking safety starts with you. Pay attention to fire prevention.”

State Fire Marshal Tim Bean offers these fire-prevention tips in the kitchen.

-Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
-Keep your cooking area clean. Do not let grease build up on the range top, toaster oven or in the oven.
-Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop.
-Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. This helps prevent spills that can start fires.
-Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
-If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
-You have to be alert when cooking. You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.

According to U.S. Fire Administration estimates, there were 353,500 residential fires, 2,840 death and 11,400 injuries in residential fires. Losses were estimated at almost $8.6 billion in the U.S. in 2021.