Morinville Fire Department to host open house event for residents

By Stephen Dafoe

National Fire Prevention Week runs from Sunday, October 8, 2023, to Saturday, October 14, 2023. The
official theme, “Cooking safety starts with YOU! Pay attention to fire prevention,” drives a week-long
campaign aimed at educating the public about the significance of fire safety in the kitchen and beyond.
Sponsored annually by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and recognized throughout North
America every October, Fire Prevention Week reminds individuals to reduce the risk of fires and protect
their homes and loved ones.

The Morinville Fire Department is going the extra mile to engage with the community during National
Fire Prevention Week by organizing an open house at the Don Found Fire Station (10021 100 Street,
Morinville) on Saturday, October 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“The Morinville Fire Department would be delighted to have our residents visit the fire station, enjoy a
complimentary hotdog and hot chocolate, observe our trucks, watch live demonstrations, and gain
insights into fire safety and this year’s theme of Cooking Safety Starts with You!,” stated Morinville Fire
Department Chief Brad Boddez. “This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your local firefighters and
learn more about prevention.”

SUBHEAD: Cooking Safety
Boddez and his department hope residents will also seize the opportunity to learn about this year’s
NFPA theme: Cooking safety starts with YOU! Pay attention to fire prevention.

“Fire Prevention Week raises awareness about the importance of fire safety. It provides an opportunity
for our community to educate people about fire hazards, safety measures, and emergency
preparedness. This awareness can save lives, protect property, and promote community well-being,”
Boddez said. “This year’s theme is “Cooking Safety Starts With YOU.” Cooking remains the #1 cause of
home fires and injuries, so drawing attention to critical actions that people can take to reduce risks and
burns is vital to reducing injury and cooking-related deaths. Whether cooking on a stove, in the oven, on
a grill, or even with an electric cooking appliance, there are a variety of things people can do to prevent
burns and fires from happening.”

Boddez highlighted that in today’s world, full of distractions, this year’s theme underscores some simple
actions everyone can take. He offers the following tips:

• Watch what you heat and set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep kids 3 feet (1 m) from the stove/grill/oven and anywhere hot foods/liquids are being served.
• Turn pot handles towards the back of the stove.
• Always keep a lid nearby; if a small fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.

According to the NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires, with nearly half (49 percent) of all
home fires involving cooking equipment. Cooking incidents are also the leading cause of home fire
injuries. Unattended cooking takes the top spot as the leading cause of home cooking fires and related
fatalities. NFPA data has shown that cooking is the only major cause of fire that resulted in more fires
and fire deaths in the years 2014-2018 than in 1980-1984.

Additional information about Fire Prevention Week can be found at www.fpw.org. For more resources
tailored to children, caregivers, and educators, visit www.sparky.org and www.sparkyschoolhouse.org.