Kitchen safety is the theme for this year’s upcoming fire prevention week. 

The Knoxville Fire Department wants citizens reminded of all the ways they can help prevent kitchen fires. It is important to never use the stovetop if you are tired or have consumed alcohol and to keep anything that can catch fire such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from the stove. 

If you have a small grease fire, the most important way to contain it is by smothering the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner, and for an oven fire, to turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Knoxville Fire Department Battalion Chief Trenton Baccus says kitchen safety is critical for any user.

“One of the phrases that fire prevention has come out with is “cook with caution”. It means to be alert when you’re cooking. Always stay in the kitchen when you have the stove on. If you do have to leave for a short amount of time, turn the stove off. Make sure your kids and pets aren’t around when you’re cooking.”

If you have any doubt about fighting a fire, get out of the house, close the door and call 9-1-1. Fire Prevention Week is October 8th-14th.