Watch: Langley firefighters bust some dance moves to raise awareness about kitchen fires

Kitchen fires are the leading cause of residential fires, and a group of Langley firefighters is trying to raise awareness about it the non-conventional way.

In a video posted to YouTube earlier this week, the firefighters can be seen shaking it to the tune of Beyonce Knowles’ hit song “Single Ladies,” minus the lack of commitment lyrics.

So instead of “putting a ring on it,” the firefighters changed the lyrics to remind people “to put a lid on it” in case of a kitchen fire.

Cpt. Dave Sanders with Langley City Fire Rescue Service says many people leave cooking unattended and when they see a fire, end up pouring water over it, which can exacerbate the problem.

Meanwhile, simply putting a lid over it can be the simplest and best solution that can save lives.

Sanders says they have been nursing the idea of creating the video for quite some time, but shot the video in a matter of hours two weeks ago.

He says his crew found out at a 9 a.m. morning briefing they would be dancing later that day, and it did not go over well at first.

Sanders says there was some resistance, but hesitation eventually turned to enthusiasm.

“They said, our reputations may take a beating, but if we get the message out, it’s worth it. They totally put themselves out there, and they really got into it.”

Watch: LCFRS – Fire Prevention Week – Prevent Kitchen Fires

Sanders says the video is a hit at local schools, where he holds talks about kitchen fire safety in cooking classes.

“The students totally love it,” says Sanders.”I would say it definitely helps to get our message out.”

Incidentally, the continent-wide Fire Prevention Week is taking place this week, and prevention of kitchen fires is this year’s theme.

Sanders says they are dealing with kitchen fires all the time and says they can be deadly, so he wants people watching the video to take one simple message away.

“Stay in the kitchen when cooking, always have a proper fitting lid handy for whatever pot you are cooking with, and remember to put a lid on it.”

The fire hall at 203 St in Langley will be holding an open house tonight at 6:30 with demonstrations on fire safety free for anyone to attend.

Dancing is not guaranteed, however.