The Canada Safety Council is urging extra caution in the kitchen as the holiday cooking season gets underway for National Home Fire Safety Week, which runs November 24-30.
The council says unattended cooking remains the leading cause of home fires in Canada, ahead of candles and Christmas trees. National data show almost one-third of reported fires between 2015 and 2021 were linked to cooking, and those incidents accounted for 43 per cent of fire-related injuries.
Canada Safety Council president and CEO Gareth Jones says holiday distractions can turn a simple meal into an emergency in seconds, and stresses the importance of staying in the kitchen while cooking, keeping combustibles like towels and packaging away from heat, and avoiding loose, flowing clothing near burners.
Canadians are also encouraged to keep children and pets clear of busy cooking areas, know how to smother a small pan fire safely, and ensure fire extinguishers are in working order.
