Tinley Park, IL – Local officials in Tinley Park are reminding residents this week that cooking remains the leading cause of home fires and fire-related injuries, urging families to take simple precautions to reduce risk in the kitchen.
According to the Village of Tinley Park, the reminder follows national fire safety guidance highlighting that unattended cooking and excessive heat are among the most common causes of household fires. Officials say many of these incidents are preventable with basic awareness and preparation.
Fire safety officials emphasize that residents should always stay near the stove while cooking. If it becomes necessary to leave the kitchen, burners should be turned off to prevent overheating or ignition. Even short distractions can lead to dangerous situations, especially when cooking with oil or grease.
Another key recommendation is monitoring food closely. According to fire safety guidance shared by the village, smoke or boiling grease is a warning sign that heat is too high. Turning off the burner immediately can prevent flames from starting or spreading.
Officials also advise residents to turn pot and pan handles toward the back of the stove. This reduces the risk of accidental spills, burns, or fires caused by someone bumping into cookware, particularly in homes with children.
Keeping a pan lid or baking sheet within reach is another important step. If a pan catches fire, covering it can help smother the flames. Fire officials warn residents never to use water on a grease fire, as it can cause flames to flare and spread rapidly.
The safety reminder aligns with guidance from the U.S. Fire Administration and FEMA, which note that cooking fires account for the highest percentage of residential fire incidents nationwide.
Residents can find additional fire prevention resources and safety tips at usfa.fema.gov.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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