Starting on October 8th, the Spokane Valley Fire Department is promoting the nation's fire prevention week.
It's a joint effort with city leaders from Millwood, Liberty Lake, and Spokane Valley.
This year, the department wants the public to be more cautious when cooking at home.
“Most people don’t realize the dangers surrounding their stoves, ovens, microwaves, and barbecues,” said SVFD Deputy Fire Marshal Brett Anderson.
Anderson says cooking is the leading cause of house fires and fire injuries across the nation.
"Be present. If you are going to be cooking, make sure that you are in the area and watch what you are doing," Anderson said. "Keep that area clear around the stoves so you are not going to trip over a kid or a dog, or have something fall onto the stove."