The State Fire Marshal, North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, and North Dakota Forest Service are teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years –to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” Gov. Burgum signed a proclamation declaring Fire Prevention Week in the state of North Dakota.

The campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.

North Dakota records about 1,800 fire incidents each year, both urban fires and wildland fires.

According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Almost half (44%) of reported home fires started in the kitchen. Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.

“We know cooking fires can be prevented,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of outreach and advocacy. “Staying in the kitchen, using a timer, and avoiding distractions such as electronics or TV are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes.”

Here are some safety tips to keep you from having a cooking fire:

Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling. If you have to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.

If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.

You have to be alert when cooking. You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.

Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.

Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

The North Dakota Forest Service would also like to remind you to be careful around fire outside to help prevent wildland fire. In North Dakota, it is common practice during spring and fall to burn fields, trees and debris in agricultural and rural settings through prescribed burns. Outdoor enthusiasts also build campfires while enjoying the state’s outdoor recreational opportunities. All these practices require prudent responsible measures to avoid igniting a wildland fire.

It is important to pay attention to burn bans and red flag warnings. Thomas Claeys, State Forester, said, “The North Dakota Forest Service encourages residents to be especially careful during fire prevention week and do your part to reduce wildfire risk. We ask residents to consider the safety of all North Dakotans including our first responders!”

Local jurisdictions – city, county, or tribal – may institute burn bans in accordance with the fire danger index, if conditions warrant.

To verify local Burn Ban restrictions and Fire Danger ratings, visit https://www.ndresponse.gov/burn-ban-restrictions-fire-danger-maps

You can also consult with your local fire department or emergency management office for the most current information regarding restrictions in your area.

For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and kitchen safety, visit www.fpw.org. For more general information about wildfires and for interactive activities for children, visit https://www.smokeybear.com/en.