Wilmington Fire Department partners with UNCW on smartburner fire safety initiative
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The City of Wilmington and the Wilmington Fire Department are partnering with the University of North Carolina Wilmington to help reduce the risk of cooking fires on campus through the installation of new fire prevention technology.
On Wednesday, July 22, officials from the city and fire department will install SmartBurners in Seahawk Crossing #4 at UNCW as part of a fire safety initiative aimed at preventing cooking-related fires before they start.
Cooking is the leading cause of household fires, the leading cause of fire-related injuries and the second-leading cause of fire-related deaths, according to fire officials.
SmartBurner technology is designed to reduce the likelihood of cooking fires by replacing traditional electric coil stove elements. The device uses patented Temperature Limiting Control (TLC) technology to help prevent burners from reaching temperatures that can ignite common cooking materials.
The SmartBurners were obtained through the Vision 20/20 pilot program, which is funded by the FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety Grant. The Wilmington Fire Department was selected as one of three pilot locations nationwide to participate in the program.
Officials say the partnership with UNCW will help improve fire safety for students while protecting campus property and promoting awareness about cooking-related fire risks.
The installation is part of broader fire prevention efforts by the Wilmington Fire Department to use innovative tools and education to help reduce the number of preventable fires in the community.
