Toronto has seen a 17% increase in fires and unattended cooking is to blame

Toronto has seen a 17% increase in fires, in part, due to unattended cooking while so many people are at home.

Chief Matthew Pegg shared the stat on Monday, noting that in addition to cooking, careless smoking is another leading cause of the increase.

While many more individuals are at home these days, and likely doing more of their own cooking, too, it’s important to remain mindful when using the stove, oven, and other heat sources.

@Toronto_Fire is seeing at 17% increase in fires in @cityoftoronto – unattended cooking and careless smoking are the leading causes. Please never leave your cooking unattended and be extremely careful if you smoke in your home. @TPFFA

— Matthew Pegg (@ChiefPeggTFS) April 13, 2020

Pegg is reminding Torontonians to keep a close eye on their meals as they cook and to be “extremely careful,” if you’re someone who smokes inside the home.