Honolulu Hale Lit Up in Red for Fire Prevention Week

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has requested that Honolulu Hale be illuminated red from the evening of Sunday, October 4, to the morning of Sunday, October 11, in recognition of Fire Prevention Week.

The theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen,” promoting cooking safety.

“This year’s focus on cooking safety is particularly timely as people do more cooking and entertaining at home,” said Mayor Caldwell. “As people do more cooking at home, the potential for home cooking fires will increase as well.”

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen. In 2019, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) informed that U.S. fire departments responded to 361,500 home fires. U.S. home fires resulted in 2,870 civilian deaths, representing 77 percent of all U.S. fire deaths.

Honolulu residents are urged to keep a close eye on what you are cooking; never leave cooking unattended. Keep anything that can catch fire such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains at least three feet away from your stovetop. Be attentive while cooking.  If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, do not use the stove or stovetop.