ENTERPRISE, Ala. (WDHN) — Mayor William E. Cooper has declared October 8 -14 as Fire Prevention Week in the City of Enterprise. The fire department is also reminding residents of the 2023 theme: “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of home fire and home fire injuries in the United States.

“The City of Enterprise is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting our city,” Mayor Cooper said. “Enterprise Firefighters are dedicated to reducing the occurrences of home fire and home fire injuries through prevention and education.”

Photo identification from left to right Front Row: Fire Chief Christopher Davis, Mayor William E. Cooper, Battalion Chief Brian Beasley Back Row: Firefighter Addison Hudson, Battalion Chief Bryan Turner, Firefighter Skylar Brown, Firefighter Hayes Hatfield, Firefighter Chris Wise, Captain Bobby Hice, Captain Gary Enfinger (Photo Courtesy of the City of Enterprise)

The 2023 campaign works to familiarize everyone with the simple but important measures they can take when cooking to keep themselves and others safe.

“Cooking fires can grow quickly. In my career, I have seen too many homes damaged by fires that could have been easily prevented,” Enterprise Fire Chief Christopher Davis said.

Chief Davis offered the following safety tips to help reduce the risk of a cooking fire:

  • Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking.
  • Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove and keep a lid nearby. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
  • Have a “kid-and pet-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

EFD distributes free, working smoke alarms to all city residents. To learn more about this program, please call the Enterprise Fire Department at (334) 348-2641.