WESTLOCK — This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is about something most of us do every day, and often without thinking about any safety precautions.
Cooking safety starts with YOU is the focus for the 2023 Fire Prevention Week, from Oct. 8-14. Westlock County and Town of Westlock fire departments co-hosted a fire prevention week event Sept. 30 at the Town of Westlock fire hall that welcomed families from Westlock and across the region for activities, displays, safety learning stations and a free pancake breakfast. This year’s event also included live cooking fire demonstrations.
“The themes every year are based on national statistics. Cooking fires create a lot of fires across North America,” said Town of Westlock fire chief Stuart Koflick.
“What we’re demonstrating is the hazards and dangers of using cooking oil and greases on a stovetop, including butter. Any type of animal fats, vegetable oils, they have an auto ignition temperature and if you heat that product up to a certain temperature, it will ignite on its own.”
Koflick pointed out that during the cooking fire demonstration, firefighters presented a scenario where they poured water on the stovetop fire to show what would happen.
“Water’s not flammable but it reacts with the hot oil, it bubbles, it vaporizes much quicker and it creates more of a flash to the fire,” explained Koflick, adding they shared about the hazards often associated with cooking and the steps that can be taken in such a situation.
“The important point here, that we’re trying to provide is, cooking is a hazardous thing. Don’t leave it unattended,” he said. “Put a lid over top — a medal lid, a cookie sheet or something like that. Then turn off the stove (element) and let it cool down.”
Despite cooler temperatures for the event, about 150 people attended the educational activities and pancake breakfast.
“We would like to thank everyone for taking the time and coming out to learn and meet our dedicated volunteers,” said Westlock County fire chief and manager of protective services John Biro.
One of several families in attendance was Randy Ayo and his son Mardy from Westlock, who were learning fire safety tips at the Glenn Latimer Memorial Safety House Trailer.
“It’s the first time that we’ve seen this kind of event. It’s very educational, not only for the kids but also for us adults,” said Ayo. “We are learning lots. It is very important for us to understand how to deal with (cooking) fires.”
Koflick said it was good to see the crowds out, participating and learning about fire prevention and important fire safety tips.
“It’s always been a great event,” said Koflick.
