OLYMPIA – The Washington State Fire Marshal's Office announced Monday that Governor Jay Inslee officially proclaimed Oct. 8 to Oct. 14 as 2023 Fire Prevention Week. According to the announcement, this year’s theme is cooking safety.

“In a fire, mere seconds can be the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. Fire safety education is not just for school children,” the statement said. “Teenagers, adults, and the elderly are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time during Fire Prevention Week, as well as every day, to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.”

The announcement stated this year’s “Cooking safety starts with you. Pay attention to fire prevention” theme works to educate the community about simple, but important actions to take to keep everyone safe when cooking. Nationally, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries, said the statement. Last year in Washington state, cooking was 8th among causes of ignition for all fire incidents, with a total of 2,121 incidents and a total dollar loss of over $10 million.

Since 1922, the National Fire Protection Association has sponsored the public observance

of Fire Prevention Week, according to the announcement. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in the United States.

The announcement encouraged all Washingtonians to practice safe cooking methods both indoors or outdoors, aiming to prevent fire incidents, burns and injuries, and to stay alert and use caution when cooking.