The Charlottesville Fire Department says it is the time of year when they see a spike in kitchen fires. Firefighters are offering tips to keep your family safe during the holiday season.
From November through February they see an increase in house fires that start in the kitchen. Often, it's the grease from cooking that ignites and can easily spread.
Just last week, the Charlottesville Fire Department responded to a grease fire in a home where the flames spread to the kitchen cabinets. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Fire officials want everyone to be careful as we head into the holiday season. They have a few tips:
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Never leave food unattended on stovetops and keep combustibles away from the cooking area.
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To put a grease fire out, place a lid or cookie sheet over the fire or pour baking soda on it. Do not use water because water spreads the fire.
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Do not try to take a burning pot outside because grease can easily drip and spread the fire to other parts of the home.
Charlottesville Fire Department Battalion Chief Richard Jones says, "Everyone's common reaction is it will never happen to me, that won't happen at my house, so when it does happen it does catch them off guard."
Fire departments nationwide respond to nearly 7,000 kitchen fires each year.
Throughout the holiday season the Charlottesville Fire Department website will have tips on ways to keep your home safe.
