Fairchild recognizes National Fire Prevention Week Published Oct. 2, 2013 By Master Sgt. Jeffrey Zaleski 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash.- -- Fairchild will recognize National Fire Prevention Week from Oct. 6 to 12. The week commemorates the Chicago fire blaze that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 more homeless and destroyed more than 17,000 buildings Oct. 8 and 9, 1871. This year's theme is "Prevent Kitchen Fires." More fires start in the kitchen than in any other part of the home. Fairchild's Fire Department will provide tips on how to keep cooking fires from starting in the first place. Many families gather in the kitchen to spend time together, but it can be one of the most hazardous rooms in the house if safe behaviors are not practiced. According to the fire prevention office, cooking equipment, most often a range or stovetop is the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries in the U.S. Cooking equipment is also the leading cause of unreported fires and associated injuries. Tips to avoid kitchen fires: - When you fry, grill or broil food, stay in the kitchen. - Maintain a child- and pet-free zone at least three feet away from the stove. - Turn pot handles away from the stove's edge. It is also important to keep a lid and oven mitt nearby while cooking to use in case of a grease fire. In the event of a grease fire, slide a lid over the pan. Turn off the burner and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool. Adding an ounce of prevention in the kitchen makes the perfect recipe for home fire safety. Events during National Fire Prevention Week include: - Oct. 7: 9 a.m. -2 p.m. National Fire Prevention Week will kick off at the fire department with an open house for Michael Anderson Elementary School. - Oct. 8 and 10: 4 - 6 p.m. A smoke-house demonstration will be set up for the youth center students, from, on Dakota Drive in base housing. - Oct. 9: Fire department personnel will visit Michael Anderson Elementary during morning classes. - Oct. 9: 5 - 8 p.m. Fire department personnel will have displays and bouncy houses for Balfour Beatty housing occupants at their community center. - Oct. 11: Fire department personnel will visit the Child Development Center for the morning hours. - Oct. 12: 9 a.m. There will be a parade through housing. - Oct. 12: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. There will be an open house at the fire station. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Fire Prevention Section at (509) 247-5215.