After Two Fire Deaths in Maple Grove, Fire Officials Says Be Attentive in Kitchen
After two deaths caused by fires in the last 12 months, Maple Grove firefighters urge the public to be cautious and attentive when it comes to cooking, which is the leading cause of residential fires.
Having two fire fatalities in one year is a first for the city.
“It’s never happened before in this city. We’re looking forward to turning that around in 2021,” said fire educator Shannon Burton.
The state fire marshal says fire deaths in 2020 were the highest they’ve been since 2017.
In December, a 52-year-old Maple Grove woman died in a fire at Hanson Implement and Storage. Orange and red flames lit up the sky as firefighters battled the two-alarm blaze. The cause is still being investigated. In January 2020, an 80-year-old Maple Grove woman died in a house fire. All five Maple Grove fire stations responded to the call. Crews weren’t able to get inside the home because the flames were too intense.
One woman died in the December fire at Hanson Implement Storage. Photo Courtesy: Maple Grove Fire
Fire experts say cooking is the leading cause of residential fires. They say these types of fires are caused by people not paying attention. Fire educator Jeremy Berger says if your pot or pan catches fire while you’re cooking, take a lid or cookie sheet, slide it over, turn the burner off, get outside and call 911.
Maple Grove officials are anxious about the winter months because many more people stay at home due to COVID-19.
“The more people at home, the more chances that they have for things to go wrong,” said Burton.
With winter in full swing, people are also using space heaters. Officials say that’s okay, as long as it’s new and up to code. “Make sure it has tip-over protection and that it has an overheat sensor,” explained Berger.
The experts also recommend working smoke alarms in every sleeping area and hallway.
Maple Grove Fire Safety Programs
- Home Safety Survey: A fire and life safety educator will visit your home and offer suggestions on making your home a safer place.
- Smoke Alarm Program: This program is for seniors over the age of 60, or individuals that qualify as low income. A fire and life safety educator will visit your home and offer suggestions concerning your smoke and CO alarms. If replacement is needed, arrangements will be made to replace your batteries or alarms.
- Sound Off Program: If you have a 2-3 grade school aged child and would like to learn more about fire safety or need smoke alarms this program can provide free alarms for those that qualify.
For further information on these programs, contact sburton@maplegrovemn.gov or 763-494-6096.
