Fire Safety Reminder This Holiday from the Marion, IA Fire Department

I remember the first fire class I ever took in Montgomery County Maryland—the Essentials of Fire Fighting 101.  We got to watch lots of videos, learn about combustible materials, and fight some fires.  Though there was way more, that was it in a nutshell.

It Doesn't Take Much To Start A Fire

I’ll never forget the first time I saw fire roll over my head and then come up behind me in the fire building. It was a wild experience. Back then, we were taught to fight the fire by using the hose stream in a Z then inverted T pattern. That was the strategy we used to knock it down. It’s been a few years since then, so they might teach a different method now, but that’s what we learned at the time.

The fire that rolled over our heads was just a smoldering pile of pallets a few seconds before a boatload of fuel was dropped on it by our instructor.  Things can and do get crazy quickly.

The takeaway from many of these situations was how something minor can become major in a matter of seconds. Even better if you can get in front of the fire before it happens with some prevention.  Give people the tools and hopefully, they will use them.

What is The Marion Fire Department Saying about Kitchen Fires?

That's what The Marion Fire Department is reminding us this holiday season.  They say in their press release that they've already had to battle some kitchen fires this season and these are most times, preventable.

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Here are some ways they say to reduce the possibility that you will see fire this holiday season.

• Stay Alert: Never leave cooking food unattended. Turn off the heat source if stepping away from the kitchen.
• Keep Flammable Items at a Safe Distance: It’s essential to keep items that can catch fire— such as dish towels, oven mitts, food packaging, paper and decorations—away from the stovetop and other heat sources. Additionally, ensure that holiday packages and deliveries are stored away from the cooking area. Avoid placing these items on or near the stovetop, as cardboard and plastic packaging can ignite rapidly.
• Use a Timer: Set a timer as a reminder for cooking times, particularly when baking or frying.
• Be Cautious with Hot Oil: If frying, keep an eye on the pot. If the oil begins to smoke, turn off the heat and let it cool.
• Know How to Extinguish a Fire: If a fire does ignite, remember to use a fire extinguisher or cover it with a metal lid or baking sheet. Never throw water on a grease fire

Please be safe and have a fire-free holiday!