BISMARCK, N.D. – The holiday season is once again upon us. It is a time for families and friends to gather for meals and to share. Don’t let this time of year become tragic due to a cooking fire.

According to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of home fires. The latest statistics from NFPA says that one out of every three home fires started in the kitchen and more than 155,000 fires a year were related to cooking.

The Bismarck Fire Department suggests that by following a few basic safety tips during this holiday season, you can reduce your risk of having a fire.

- Never leave cooking food on the stovetop unattended, and keep a close eye on food cooking inside the oven or microwave.
- Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles (e.g. potholders, towels, rags, and food packaging).
- Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a “kid-free zone” of three feet around the stove. Keep pets from underfoot so you do not trip while cooking.
- Always keep a potholder, oven mitt and lid handy. If a small fire starts in a pan on the stove, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Don’t remove the lid until it is completely cool. Never pour water on a grease fire and never discharge a fire extinguisher onto a pan fire, as it can spray or shoot burning grease around the kitchen, actually spreading the fire.
- If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you and your clothing.
- If there is a microwave fire, keep the door closed and unplug the microwave. Call the fire department and make sure to have the oven serviced before you use it again.

If you are using a turkey fryer remember these important tips:

- Use electric turkey fryers that are thermostatically controlled, if possible.
- Always place your turkey fryer outside on a flat, solid surface and away from any buildings and overhangs. Do not place the fryer on a wood deck or balcony.
- Before placing oil in the container, put your turkey in and fill the container with water until the turkey is covered. Remove the turkey and mark the level of the water in the container. Empty and dry the container before adding oil to the mark you just made. This will ensure that you do not overfill the container with oil.
- Make sure your turkey is thawed and dry before placing it in the hot oil. Lower the turkey slowly into the hot oil to prevent boil over.
- Carefully monitor your oil temperature. Follow the recommended temperatures listed with the instructions.

For more information visit www.bismarck.org