Ville de Gatineau
Kitchen fires
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Kitchen fires
Kitchen fires

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Did you know that in Gatineau 73% of fires occur in homes, and 20% of these break out on stoves? That would be the equivalent of one kitchen fire a week!

Prevention and education start at home. For instance, approved deep-fryers are strongly recommended for that kind of cooking.

If a kitchen fire breaks out, you should:

  • use oven mitts to make sure you don't burn yourself and, if possible, place the lid on the pot to put out the fire;
  • carefully move the pot to the centre of the stove;
  • turn off all elements and the range hood; and
  • call 9-1-1, even if you think that the fire is out.

Do not:

  • move a pot if its contents are burning; or
  • throw water on a pot that contains oil that has caught fire.

If the fire cannot be brought under control:

  • vacate the premises using the nearest exit;
  • activate the manual alarm if you are in a building that has a fire alarm system;
  • go to the nearest gathering place outside the building; and
  • call 9-1-1.

What are the most common distractions to avoid that can cause a cooking fire?

  • Being preoccupied or in a hurry
  • Going outside to smoke or vapourize
  • Multitasking
  • Working with children
  • Working from home
  • Checking your phone or tablet
  • Playing video games
  • Carrying on a conversation with guests

Warning: some of the scenes in the following videos may be disturbing.

Testimony (in French only)

Safety tips (in French only)

About Gatineau

Recognized for its quality of life, Gatineau is a city of 292,000 inhabitants. It is located on the north shore of the Ottawa River, and extends east and west of the Gatineau River.

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