Fire Prevention Week: Cooking Safety

Photo By Senior Airman Andrew Bertain | Firefighters from the 86th Civil Engineer Squadron cut open a car during an open house at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 21, 2023. The open house was the final event of Fire Prevention Week, a week-long event hosted by the fire department to spread awareness of fire safety and prevention. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrew Bertain)  

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, GERMANY

10.24.2023

Story by Senior Airman Andrew Bertain 

86th Airlift Wing

Fire Prevention Week is an annual event aimed at raising awareness about fire safety, and this year, the U.S. Air Force is actively promoting cooking safety.
The theme for this year's Fire Prevention Week is, "Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention," emphasizing the crucial role individuals play in safeguarding their homes this coming holiday season.
Cooking fires represent the number one cause of home fires and home injuries, making it vital for Team Ramstein to be well-informed and proactive in preventing kitchen-related fires. To address this issue, the Air Force is urging the community to adopt essential fire safety practices in their kitchens.
"The leading cause of cooking fires is unattended cooking, so we would like to remind people to stay in the kitchen and to set timers," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Taylor Leuck, Kaiserslautern Military Community Fire and Emergency Services noncommissioned officer in charge of fire prevention.
In case of a fire in a pot or pan on the stove, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the top and turning off the burner. Should a fire erupt in the oven, Leuck advises to turn off the heat and keep the door closed to contain the flames.
However, safety always takes precedence. If there is any uncertainty about handling a small fire, the KMC Fire and Emergency Services underlines the importance of evacuating the premises immediately and reaching out for professional assistance.
"Safety is our number one concern,” Leuck said. “If you have any doubt about combating a small fire, immediately leave your house and call 06371-47-112 to contact our emergency dispatch center."
For any further questions involving fire safety, the Air Force recommends visiting the National Fire Protection Agency website for invaluable information offering a wealth of cooking and fire safety tips.

• Date Taken: 10.24.2023
• Date Posted: 10.24.2023 10:03
• Story ID: 456381
• Location: RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, DE