Cooking Fire safety
Cooking fires are the leading cause of fire in the home and causes the most injuries. Our living quarters on our camps are our homes and are subject to the same cooking related fire causes found in the home.
Army regulations only permit cooking in facilities that have areas specifically designated as cooking areas. Individual barracks rooms are prohibited cooking areas, however, some barracks have designated common cooking areas.
For those designated cooking areas, here are the recommended safety rules:
1. Never leave stovetop cooking unattended, if you must leave the room, turn off the stove.
2. Keep a lid nearby when frying. If a fire occurs, cover the pan with the lid if safe to do so.
3. Keep stovetops clean; free of grease.
4. When baking or roasting food in the oven, stay in the area. NEVER leave the building with the stove on. Allow food to cool for a minute or so; allowing the container to cool slightly and allow steam to escape and prevent burns.
5. When you are finished cooking, always ensure the stove is turned off.
6. For microwave ovens, do not use extension cords, use only microwave safe containers (never Aluminum), allow food to cool for a minute or so then and open the container slowly to allow steam to escape and prevent burns.
7. Know where the nearest fire extinguisher is and how to use it.
8. If a fire occurs, always call the fire department (11) even if it is already extinguished.
As noted, cooking fires are the leading cause of fires and injuries in the home. By following this guidance, you can help prevent fires and potential injuries in our living areas.
For questions or assistance, please contact the Fire Prevention Section at 732-6720/730-2089.