Stay Fire Safe This Thanksgiving Holiday

be more homes across the state filled with the smell of turkey dinner
than ever before. The State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) reminds
residents to keep kitchen fire safety a priority when preparing this
year's Thanksgiving meal.

There have been nearly 60 Thanksgiving Day kitchen fires in Washington
State over the last five years and unattended cooking is the leading
cause. Thanksgiving dinner usually involves a number of dishes cooking
all at once with a lot of distractions in and around the kitchen.

The SFMO makes these recommendations to keep cooking safe this holiday season:

*         Stay in the kitchen while cooking dishes on the stovetop.
When roasting a turkey or any items in the oven, set a timer and be
sure to check on them regularly.

*         If you have a stovetop fire, slide a lid over the pan, turn
off the burner, and let the pan cool completely.

*         For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed
until cool.

*         Keep flammable materials like oven mitts, wooden utensils,
food wrappers, and towels away from burners.

*         Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the
stove and areas where hot food is being prepared.