Easton Fire Chief Offers Thanksgiving Cooking Safety Tips

EASTON, MA — With the National Fire Protection Association reporting that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, Easton Fire Chief Kevin Partridge and the Easton Fire Department issued a reminder of some important cooking tips to residents.

Unattended cooking was the leading the contributing factor to cooking fires and fire deaths. Cooking equipment was involved in almost half of all reported home fires and home fire injuries, and the second-leading cause of home fire deaths.

"Thanksgiving is a great time to get loved ones together to eat and spend quality time with one another," Chief Partridge said in a post on the department's Facebook page. "It can also be a hectic time for the host, whose kitchen is filled with different ovens and burners and microwaves going all at once. Please be safe and we wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!"

The Easton Fire Department recommends residents follow several safety tips outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

Never leave food, grease or oils cooking on the stove top without supervision.

In the event of a grease fire, smother flames with a lid then turn off the heat. Putting baking soda over the fire will also work.

Do not move a burning pan because it can cause the fire to spread.

Do not throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire, as water will spread the fire and the extinguisher could splash flaming grease.

Do not wear loose or long sleeves when cooking, as it can catch fire.

Do not store or use flammable objects, such as pot holders, towels, paper or plastic bags, near heating elements.

If a fire starts in an oven or microwave, close the door, turn the appliance off and immediately call the fire department.

Do not put metal inside a microwave.

Unplug appliances such as toasters and coffee makers when you are not using them.

Do not store items in an oven.

Stop, drop and roll if your clothing catches fire. Run burns under cool water and call 9-1-1 for help.

Keep children and pets three feet away from the stove.

Make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working prior to the holiday.

The NFPA discourages the use of turkey fryers, as the amount and high temperature of the oil used can cause serious burns and injuries, and result in the destruction of property.

Residents who would like more information on holiday cooking safety should contact the Easton Fire Department at 508-230-3311.