NU Online News Service, March 4, 12:08 p.m.EDT

Three major factors leading to home fires are cooking, candlesand extension cords, according to an insurance company that haslaunched an interactive Web page to publicize those perils.

Foremost Insurance, based in Caledonia, Mich., said it createdthe page after asking their claim adjusters what one thing theythought customers should be told about preventing a fire.

Besides careless cooking, burning candles and misuse ofextension cords, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors also toppedthe list as ignored prevention items, Foremost said.

"It's so important to make people aware of these simple buttaken-for-granted causes of fire," said Dennis Squibb, assistantvice president, Specialty Claims and Farmers CAT Response. "Ouradjusters unfortunately see devastating fire losses and damage thatdidn't have to happen. Their advice is worth sharing."

The Web page shows a picture of a kitchen with a smoking,unattended pot on the stove, a dripping extension cord, and aburning candle. Also in the frame are a smoke detector and a fireextinguisher.

Links on cooking, fire extinguishers, candles, extension cordsand smoke detectors pop up text on those topics.

"It's a memorable and visual way to help raise awareness andremind homeowners to avoid these common mistakes," said Mr.Squibb.

The fire safety page is at www.Foremost.com/safety/home-safety/interactive-fire-safety.

In addition to its main online site (www.Foremost.com), Foremost has aFacebook page (www.Facebook.com/foremostinsurance)and a Twitter page (www.Twitter.com/foremost).