Pictured above from left to right: Firefighter Graham Smyth, Lieutenant Patrick Connellan, Probationary Firefighter Conner Mickel, Firefighter Cameron Jackson, Captain Mike Frayne, Firefighter William Halabisky, Probationary Firefighter Keely Girard, Firefighter Sabbir Zahed, Engineer Cheryl Rogers, Senior Firefighter Dane Cruickshank, Lieutenant James Martin, Probationary Firefighter Amanda Killen, Firefighter Jonah Kurylowich, Lieutenant Nolan Keddie, Firefighter Morgan Hayward, Firefighter Kelly Laramore, Senior Firefighter Drew Keddie, Firefighter Matthew Bolduc, Firefighter Dale Shewchuk, Firefighter Danika Jurczak, Captain Robin Differenz, Fire Chief Tim Harris.

Missing from Photo: Captain Mike Kinshella, Senior Firefighter Tim Berger, Firefighters; Devin Braun, Jack Cook, Clayton Diesel, Emily Differenz, Rhianna Differenz, Nat Donoghue, Cornelio Esguerra (Chaplain), Manuel Gomez, Jamie Green, Jesse Kasouf, Bryn Keddie, Angela Makrakos, Travis Mitten, Trevor Routledge, Tristan Sanchuck, Tristan Vander Klok, Probationary Firefighter William Green.

Fire Prevention Week 2020

Posted October 5, 2020

The Peace River & County of Northern Lights Fire Departments are teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years — to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” The campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe. Fire Prevention Week is October 4-10, 2020.

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in Canada. The majority of reported home fires started in the kitchen. Most home fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.

“We know cooking fires can be prevented,” said Lorraine Carli, vice-president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “Staying in the kitchen while cooking, using a timer, and avoiding distractions such as electronics or TV are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes.”

The Peace River & County of Northern Lights Fire Departments encourage all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme and wish to share some valuable safety tips:

  • Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you have to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
  • 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’re cooking.
  • You have to be alert when cooking. You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medications or drugs, or have consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.
  • 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.
  • Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 1 metre around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire prevention, visit www.fpw.org.