The Yakima Fire Department is out with the annual warnings about cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day. Fire officials says home cooking fires happen most often during the Thanksgiving holiday. In fact Chief Aaron Markham says "cooking equipment is involved in almost half of all reported home fires and home fire injuries. It is the second leading cause of home fire deaths."

Some tips to keep you safe this Thanksgiving from the Yakima Fire Department.

  Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stove so you can keep an eye on the food.
    Stay in the home when cooking your turkey, and check on it frequently.
    Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and children should stay at least three feet away.
    Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children - up high in a locked cabinet.
    Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over children, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
    Test your smoke alarms to make sure they are working.
    Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.

Fire officials also have warnings for those who are planning on using an oil fryer to cook the turkey;

Keep it away from your house and garage.
    Make sure the turkey is completely thawed.
    Always measure the amount of oil needed in your pot before lighting the burner. Using water can help determine what the oil level should be.
    Make sure to monitor the recommended oil temperature during the deep frying process.
    Do not cook on the deck or patio near the house, or under covered patios or near awnings.

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