Cooking-related home fires spike across the country during the holidays, with more than three times as many home cooking fires occurring on Thanksgiving Day as compared to a typical day of the year, according to a new study by the National Fire Protection Association. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of these fires.  

This holiday season, the Madison Fire Department reminds you to take these simple steps that will help keep your household safe:

• Stand by your pan! Stay in the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop, especially when frying or sautéing with oil.
• Stay home while you’re roasting your turkey, and check on it regularly.
• Always use timers to keep track of cooking times and to remind you when your food is done.
• Keep oven mitts, dish towels, food wrappers, containers, utensils, and other items that can catch on fire away from the stove.
• Avoid long sleeves and hanging fabrics that can come in contact with a heat source.
• Keep a lid beside your pan. If you have a fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Let the pan cool for a long time. Do NOT throw water on cooking fires.
• Keep children at least three feet away from the stove.

If an oven fire occurs, turn off the heat and keep the door closed until you're confident the fire is completely out. If you have any doubts or concerns, contact the fire department for assistance.

The Madison Fire Department wishes you a safe and festive holiday season.