Cal Fire

Sacramento, CA – With the Thanksgiving holiday just days away, CAL FIRE is reminding Californians about the dangers that home fires pose during the holiday season. Holidays are a time of food, fun and festivities; but they are also a time to be extra cautious as thousands of home fires across the nation are caused from holiday cooking.

Most home fires begin in the kitchen as a result of cooking. During the holidays with friends and family visiting, it’s important to not get distracted and to be aware of your cooking activities.

Thanksgiving Day is often one of our busier days responding to home cooking fires,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE Director. “Practicing a little extra fire safety can prevent a cooking fire and leave your Thanksgiving to enjoy with your family and friends.”

“The leading cause of home fires is cooking fires. That is why it is important to “keep an eye on what you are fry” and not leave cooking food unattended,” said Chief Tonya Hoover, State Fire Marshal. “You can reduce the chances of a home fire.”

To help reduce the chance of fire and injuries associated with holiday cooking fires, CAL FIRE would like to offer the following tips:

• Don’t leave cooking unattended and keep an eye on what you fry. If you leave the kitchen, turn the burner off.
• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Someone walking by is less likely to bump them or pull them over.
• Food preparation and cooking should always be supervised by an adult.
• When using a turkey fryer, be sure to follow instructions closely. Don’t exceed the recommended oil level and only use the device outdoors!
• Make sure a fire extinguisher is handy at all times. Never use water to put out a grease fire.
• Ensure you have working smoke alarms installed throughout your home.

Watch this short video from CAL FIRE for some more tips on cooking safety at http://www.youtube.com/v/f6msytP37fk. or visit www.fire.ca.gov.