NJ Division of Fire Safety Celebrates Fire Prevention Week

• Posted on: 10/9/2023

TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey Division of Fire Safety Director and State Fire Marshal Richard Mikutsky is joining fire service professionals across the country in celebrating Fire Prevention Week to promote fire safety education.  

This year’s nationwide theme, Cooking Safety starts with YOU! Pay Attention to Fire Prevention, was established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to focus on awareness and fire-safe practices in the kitchen.

“As the central focus for the State’s fire service community, the Division of Fire Safety plays a critical role in educating the public about fire safety,” said DCA Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “Fire Prevention Week serves as a reminder to maintain safe practices while cooking to avoid fire incidents.”

“In addition to having working smoke and CO alarms in your home in case of a fire emergency, it is very important to be fire safe in the kitchen,” said State Fire Marshal Mikutsky. “We need to focus on what we are cooking without distractions, keep the cooking area clean of combustible items, and have a ‘kid-free zone’ around anything hot that is being prepared.”

According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires, with nearly half (49 percent) of all home fires involving cooking equipment. Cooking is also the leading cause of home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires and related deaths.

The National Fire Prevention Week theme will also be used throughout the school year in New Jersey, as students participate in the State Fire Safety Poster Contest. Using their creativity and artistic talents, children will integrate this year’s theme into their posters to create effective fire prevention messages. Details on the poster contest can be found at: www.nj.gov/dca/dfs/index.shtml

The Division of Fire Safety serves as the central fire service agency in the State. The Division is responsible for the development and enforcement of the State Uniform Fire Code, as well as engaging the public on community risk reduction strategies, assisting in fire department preparedness, and conducting firefighter training programs.  

In addition to fire safety, DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, building safety, community planning and development, disaster recovery and mitigation, and information privacy.

For more information about DCA, visit https://nj.gov/dca/ or follow the Department on social media: