According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of home fires on Thanksgiving Day. A cooking fire is three times more likely on Thanksgiving than on any other day of the year.

“Most fires on Thanksgiving occur between noon and 4 p.m. – the peak cooking hours,” said IAFF Local 2819’s Vice President Ronny Smith. “A lot of those fires can be easily avoided by staying alert and in the kitchen while cooking.”

Smith said many home cooking fires are caused by unattended equipment, abandoned material, a heat source left too close to flammable materials, product misuse and cooking equipment that is not properly turned off.

The use of turkey fryers – which use a large amount of cooking oil at high temperatures – also poses a significant danger and can lead to devastating burns, other injuries and the destruction of property, he said.

IAFF Local 2819 recommends seeking out grocery stores, specialty food retailers and restaurants for preparation or using an oil-less fryer that cooks with infrared heat.

Fire officials suggest that if you have a cooking fire, go outside and call 9-1-1 for the help of your local fire fighters. Do not try to fight the fire yourself.

Thanksgiving is also a high time for cooking related burns, statistics show. To prevent scalds and burns, cook on back burners and make sure all pot handles are turned inward so children don’t come into contact with them.

Appliances that get hot, such as toaster ovens, should also be well out of a child’s reach. Have a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared or carried.

IAFF Local 2819 urges you to cook with caution and wishes you a happy Thanksgiving holiday, Smith said.