(Photo by Sarnia Fire Rescue)(Photo by Sarnia Fire Rescue)
Sarnia

"Look when you cook" theme of Fire Prevention Week (VIDEO)

Sarnia Fire & Rescue is reminding residents during Fire Prevention Week that unattended cooking is the number one cause of fires across Canada.

Fire Prevention Officer Roel Bus said it's important to always have a one-to-three metre "childfree" safety zone while cooking, and to always "look when you cook."

"The big message is when you have stuff cooking on the stove, do not leave the stove -- you want to stay there and make sure everything stays safe and doesn't cause anything nasty."

Bus said checking fireplaces is another important step to take, especially heading into the cooler months.

"Make sure your chimney is clean because, you're looking at your fireplace, you keep that clean most of the time, but then when the heat goes up into your chimney, that's what gets ignited."

Bus also reminds residents that burning leaves is not permitted, and that the only fires allowed in backyards are regular campfires.

Fire Education Officer Mike Otis said Fire Prevention Week [Oct. 4 - 10] is the longest running public safety event in North America.

"It's been done since 1923 in Canada, and it's the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871."

For more information, click here.

https://www.facebook.com/sarniafire/videos/259185308752002

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