State Fire Marshal Give Tips to Kids on Avoiding Kitchen Disasters

(KNSI) – The Minnesota State Fire Marshal has tips to reduce cooking fires. The division says in a press release that making a meal in the kitchen is the leading cause of structure fires in the state.

The school year amplifies the danger because kids often get home before their parents and are looking for a snack in the afternoon. That could include soup or a grilled cheese sandwich. Maybe they are turning on the oven to get that night’s dinner started while their parents are on their way home.

The fire marshal says to keep a close watch on what you are making. Pot handles should be rotated to face the back of the range so it is harder to bump or pull them over. Cleaning equipment after each use is one of the easiest ways to avoid a problem. Crumbs and grease can turn into fuel for a potential fire. Officials say if you use the oven and a fire starts, turn it off and let everything cool down before you begin cleaning.

The State Fire Marshal division says intentional fires set by kids are on the rise, too. Curiosity, ignorance of the danger, anger, needing attention, and stress are all reasons why children potentially start a fire. One out of every five cooking fires ends up being lethal.

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