Marion Fire Department urges caution to avoid kitchen fires this holiday season

Across the country, cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires, and this risk particularly increases during the holiday season.

So, before we begin planning this holiday meal, the Marion Fire Department wanted to share a few reminders.

Above all, it is very important that you be vigilant and keep safety in mind. Marion Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Steffen stresses never leaving combustible objects like paper or cardboard boxes near or on your stove or in the oven.

You never know if, or when, a button might get bumped and things might heat up and catch fire, no matter what type of cooktop you have.

Although many of us will likely have children underfoot, especially during the holidays, make sure they stay out of the kitchen while you cook.

When cooking, be aware that you are cooking and do not leave anything unattended when cooking, whether on a stove or in the oven. If you plan to walk away, be sure to turn off the stove or oven at that time. Or, if you plan to just be in the kitchen or just step away, always set a timer. That way we don’t have any fuel oil or anything heating up to the point where it causes a fire,” said Marion Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Steffen.

“Be aware that there will be combustible objects around the oven. And we want to make sure those objects are not around the stove or oven.”

If something ends up catching fire, stay calm, turn off the heat, and cover the pot or pan with a lid, baking sheet, or whatever you can find to help put out that fire. Don’t use water, as this will only make things worse.

If the inside of the oven catches fire, turn off the heat again and keep the door closed. This will not only contain the fire, but also cut off the oxygen and eventually extinguish it.

If none of this works, use a fire extinguisher and call 911 so firefighters can make sure everything is put out safely.