Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department’s Assistant Fire Marshal Tracy Summar determined that Monday (11/5/2012) night's fire at Poplar Village Apartments was the result of unattended cooking.

“The fire was accidental and the investigation has closed,” commented Summar.

With the rising number of fires starting in the kitchen, MFRD would like to share the following Cooking Safety Tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Cook with Caution

· Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.

· Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.

· If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while the food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.

· Keep anything that can catch fire (oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains) away from your stovetop.

Cooking and Kids

· Have a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

If you have a cooking fire:

· Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to contain the fire.

· Call 9-1-1!

· If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.

· Keep a lid nearby when you are cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

· For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires. For more information on ways to prevent kitchen fires, please visit www.nfpa.org/education or contact Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department at 615-893-1422.