JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – As we continue to navigate the impacts of COVID-19, summertime and fire season are quickly approaching. With many more adults and children quarantined at home, fire safety is especially important this year.

According to the U.S. National Fire Protection Association, the most common cause of household fires are kitchen mishaps.

The U.S. sees an average of 470 daily fires during the summer months, with range and stove top burners creating three of every five fires in homes. Unattended cooking is one of the highest contributing factors with 31% of fires starting with cooking equipment.

The JBLM Fire Prevention office offers information and support for community members navigating fire safety. Here are a few tips to keep you and your family safe.

·        Use this extra time at home to teach your children fire safety basics

·        Regularly test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

·        Ensure the paths in and out of your homes are clear and passable

·        Create a fire drill plan for your home, in case of emergency

·        Keep all grills and outdoor fryers 15 feet from any structure

·        Properly dispose of smoking and vaping material

·        Properly store and dispose of equipment containing flammable vapors

·        Check out the JBLM fire safety brief on YouTube. Click here

·        Don't hesitate to call 911 for any emergencies

The personnel at the JBLM Fire Department understand many are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. As long as we continue to exercise caution, we will get through this.

For more information, call at 253-377-4651 or visit Lewis-McChord Fire and Emergency Services on Facebook.