PHOENIXVILLE, PA - The Phoenixville Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention WeekTM (FPW) for more than 100 years — to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire preventionTM.” The campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take when cooking to keep themselves and those around them safe.

According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths.

“Year after year, cooking remains the leading cause of home fires by far, accounting for half (49 percent) of all U.S. home fires,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “These numbers tell us that there is still much work to do when it comes to better educating the public about ways to stay safe when cooking.”

The career staff and volunteers of the Phoenixville Fire Department encourage all residents to embrace the 2023 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Cooking safety start with YOU,” said Chief of Fire & Emergency Services Eamon Brazunas. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”

Phoenixville Fire Department offers these key safety tips to help reduce the risk of a cooking fire.

1.) Watch what you heat. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking. Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
2.) Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
3.) Have a “kid- and pet-free zone” of at least 3 feet (1 meter) around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

The Phoenixville Fire Department is hosting an Open House in support of this year’s FPW campaign on Friday, October 13th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. TowerDIRECT EMS will also be on hand to display their ambulances and medical equipment. The Phoenixville Police Department will also be present with police cars and giveaways. Parking will be available at Cedar Hollow Recycling directly across the street from the fire station on Paradise St. This is a family friendly event and all ages are welcome. There will also be free giveaways and light refreshments provided.

To find out more about FPW programs and activities in the Borough of Phoenixville, please contact Phoenixville Fire Department Community Risk Reduction Coordinator Scott Miesen via email at smiesen@phoenixvillefd.org. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking safety, visit www.fpw.org. For fire safety fun for kids, visit sparky.org.