Lincoln Fire & Rescue promotes safe cooking during Fire Prevention Week

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Lincoln Fire & Rescue is promoting cooking safety during this year’s Fire Prevention Week.

From 2015 to 2019, cooking was the leading cause of house fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.  It also led to the most fire-related injuries and deaths.

LFR spokeswoman MJ Lierman said it’s important to be careful when cooking with oil.

People should turn off the burners immediately if they see smoke or smell oil.

“If you have to leave the area, make sure you shut the burners off, even for just a minute. It just prevents things from getting out of hand,” Lierman said.

People should also keep a lid nearby just in case a small pan fire starts.

If the fire gets out of control, Lierman said to call 911 and evacuate the house.