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Citing statistics that show firefighters respond to about three times the daily average of cooking fires on Thanksgiving, State Fire Marshal Randy Cole is cautioning Missourians to takes a few simples steps to avoid home cooking fires this Thursday.

“Statistics compiled by the National Fire Protection Association show that across the country, Thanksgiving is the worst day of the year for home cooking fires,” Cole said.  “The good news is that many of these fires can easily be prevented, or losses reduced if a few safety measures are taken.”

Tips to avoid a home cooking fire:

- Keep cooking appliances clean of grease build-up which can easily ignite.

- Applying a lid to a small grease fire is usually the most effective and safest method of controlling the fire.

- Do not attempt to carry a pan that is on fire because it can ignite clothes or spill, causing severe burns.

- In case of a fire inside an oven, turn off the heat and leave the door closed to cut off the fire’s air supply.

- Use back burners whenever possible and keep pot handles turned inside so they cannot be pulled or knocked over.

- Keep young children away from cooking appliances to prevent mishaps.

- Before going to bed or leaving your home make sure all cooking appliances are in the “off” position.

- Use extra caution when using turkey fryers due to higher risk of tipping over, overheating or spilling hot oil, leading to fires and burns.

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