Yakima Firefighters Say Stand By Your Pan

How are you protecting your home from a fire this winter? Next week, February 6-12 is Burn Awareness Week in the state of Washington.

The theme urges people to try and prevent kitchen fires

The theme this year is Burning Issues in the Kitchen! Yakima Firefighters say kitchen fires are the most common and some of the most damaging blazes firefighters see every year. It's the reason why so many fire officials urge people to 'stand by your pan' when cooking in the kitchen because kitchen fires can start in an instant. And firefighters say the fires aren't just small blazes they say many are very damaging and can extend into an attic space. Firefighters simply say stay in the kitchen especially when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you have to leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn off the stove.

Many fires happen in kitchens every year and some result in deaths

The National Fire Protection Association says more than 47 percent of all fires in the United States are related to cooking and 20 percent of fire deaths are related to those cooking fires.

Yakima Firefighters say you need to recognize the sounds of your detectors

Late last year the Yakima Fire Department issued a press release saying “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety.” In other words know the sounds of your specific smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. They say a "continuous set of three loud beeps - beep, beep, beep - means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.  A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years. Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.
"It’s important to learn the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. When an alarm makes noise - a beeping sound or a chirping sound - you must take action,” says Yakima Fire Chief Aaron Markham. “Make sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the alarms and knows how to respond."