BLITAR – Eid fire risk is rising in Blitar Regency as local firefighters warn residents to stay alert while preparing ketupat, a traditional dish commonly cooked during Idul Fitri celebrations.

Officials say the long cooking time required for ketupat often creates dangerous situations when families leave the kitchen unattended during holiday visits.

Tedi Prasojo, head of fire suppression, rescue, and infrastructure at the local fire department, said kitchen negligence remains one of the most common causes of house fires during Lebaran.

He explained that many incidents begin when residents leave boiling ketupat on an active stove while visiting relatives nearby.

“The most vulnerable period is during ketupat season. Residents cook ketupat at home, then leave to visit nearby relatives. That is often how negligence starts and later leads to fire,” Tedi said.

According to him, the risk increases because ketupat cooking usually takes several hours and needs steady supervision.

If water runs out during boiling, heat can quickly spread and trigger flames around the stove area.

To reduce Eid fire risk, the fire department has issued three main safety measures for households across the region.

First, residents should secure the kitchen before leaving home, especially by disconnecting the gas regulator from the stove.

Tedi said cutting the gas supply is important because it reduces the chance of sudden ignition when no one is at home.

Second, families should switch off unnecessary lights before leaving for a longer period.

He said this simple action helps lower electrical load and reduces the risk of short circuits during holiday travel.

Third, residents should unplug electronic devices that are not being used.

Fire officials warned that cables left connected to power outlets can still trigger electrical problems, especially when houses stay empty for hours.

The department said these precautions are important because holiday activities often divide attention between cooking, travel, and family gatherings.

As a result, many people forget basic safety checks before locking their homes.

Authorities hope residents can celebrate Idul Fitri calmly without suffering property losses caused by preventable fires.

They also continue to remind families that simple household discipline remains the most effective protection during the holiday season.