Garland Fire reminds residents of cooking safety after cat accidentally starts kitchen fire

Fire officials say taking a few seconds to adhere to these safety tips can stop a fire from starting.

GARLAND, Texas — The Garland Fire Department is reminding residents of cooking safety after a cat accidentally starts a kitchen fire, according to officials. 

Fire crews responded to a residential house fire in the central Garland area on Wednesday, Jan. 14, officials say. 

The fire in the kitchen was quickly extinguished and there was no damage to the rest of the home or surrounding properties, crews say. 

During the post-incident investigation, investigators found video showing the cause of the fire. According to officials, the footage shows a cat jump onto a stove, activating the burner, and igniting combustible material that was left on the stove. 

The fire department has released a reminder to residents regarding preventable kitchen fire safety.

Safety Tips from the Garland Fire Department:

· Keep combustible items such as paper towels, dish towels, food packaging, and plastic containers away from stovetops and cooking surfaces.

· Always turn off cooking appliances when not in use.

· Never leave cooking unattended.

· Maintain a clear, clutter-free area around all heat sources.

· Consider using stove knob covers or removing knobs when not in use to help prevent accidental activation, especially in homes with children or pets.

Fire officials say taking a few seconds to adhere to these safety tips can stop a fire from starting. 

The Garland Fire Department urges residents to consider fire safety prevention products, like stove know covers, appliance safety locks, and motion or touch activated shutoff devices, as part of their overall fire safety plan.