MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - In recognition of National Fire Prevention Week, Martinsburg's city Fire Marshal G. Edgar Gochenour is urging residents to make sure they have at least one working smoke detector in their homes and to be cautious when using kitchen appliances.
"The single leading cause for all house fires is cooking fires, usually as a result of unattended cooking," Gochenour said in a news release.
"If you are frying, grilling or broiling, you should never leave the kitchen before turning off the stove."
Gochenour is reminding residents that at least one working smoke detector is required by state law and that fire officials can help install them.
"According to ... National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than one out of every four American households (estimated) they would have at least six minutes before a fire in their home would become life-threatening," Gochenour said in the release. "The time available is often less."
