Don’t burn the turkey or your house

Oct 8, 2020 | 10:34 AM

Fire prevention week is wrapping up as we head into one of the busiest weekends of the year for the family kitchen.

The Thanksgiving holiday is typically a time of big meals and lots of activity. This year’s theme for fire safety week is “cooking with care” as kitchen fires are the number one cause of house fires.

Captain Dan Walker, Vernon Fire Rescue fire prevention officer, said if you do have a kitchen fire, you should not try to put it out with water.

“Should you have a fire, you take a lid and slide it across the top of the pot or pan to smother the fire and carefully take the pan off the stove. Move it aside and turn off the burner and let it cool off. Don’t throw water on a burning kitchen fire,” Walker told Vernon Matters.

Captain Dan Walker, VFRS fire prevention officer. (Kevin Rothwell/Vernon Matters Staff)

"My name is Amanda, Call 911"

Police investigating mysterious call for help near Cherryville

22h ago

580 Commonage Development

Special meeting on Monday to discuss controversial housing development

23h ago

Fentanyl Production Operation

Man charged after "fentanyl superlab" found near Valleyview pleads guilty, given 12 years in jail

May 29, 2026

Here are some safety tips for the kitchen:

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 medicine 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 one-metre around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire prevention, visit www.fpw.org.

by Kevin Rothwell

View Comments