Safety when cooking is the focus of this year’s Fire Prevention Week across Canada.

This year’s campaign is, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.”

According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of home fires and injuries in Canada.

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of all cooking fires and deaths, according to the NFPA.

As part of Fire Prevention Week, the association is offering several tips to help reduce the risk of a cooking fire.

You should always keep a close eye on what you are cooking and set a timer to remind you that you have something on the stove.

Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove and always keep a lid nearby in the event of a fire.

Make sure to have a one-metre child and pet-free zone around the stove and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared.

You can find more details through the National Fire Prevention Association’s website.