December 27- Cooking fires are the leading cause of residential fires and home fire injuries. Each year, fire departments across the United States respond to an estimated average of nearly 188,000 cooking fires in residential buildings. These fires also cause an estimated 165 deaths and 3,330 injuries. Cooking fires can be prevented. Never leave your stove or cooktop unattended while cooking. Keep your cooking area clean and free of combustible materials. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. By following these few tips, everyone can prevent a cooking fire from occurring and therefore eliminate a needless tragedy.
