FIRE SAFETY

FIRE SAFETY
Residential homes
State Fire Marshal Robert Rielage is asking residents to "Cover Your Bases & amp; Strike Out Fire" during National Fire Prevention Week. Today, he offers tips on preventing residential cooking fires.
The numbers: The most common causes of residential fires are related to cooking. In 2000, there were 4,080 residential cooking-related fires in Ohio, resulting in 289 resident injuries, 40 firefighter injuries, nine deaths and $14.2 million damage.In Columbiana County, there were 24 such fires with one firefighter injured and $119,000 damage.In Mahoning County, there were 114 such fires, 11 resident injuries, four firefighter injuries, one death and $380,000 damage.In Trumbull County, there were 44 such fires, five resident injuries, one firefighter injury and $251,000 damage.Causes: Most kitchen fires occur when cooking is left unattended.Prevention: Keep an eye on cooking food so you can respond quickly if something goes wrong. Remove hazards from the cooking area, such as potholders and other combustible materials.
Source: Ohio Department of Commerce,Division of State Fire Marshal