Fire marshal offers tips for Thanksgiving fire safety

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois State Fire Marshal Matt Perez says Thanksgiving Day produces the highest rate of cooking fires each year.

Perez says cooking equipment is involved in almost half of all reported home fires and is among the leading causes of home-fire deaths.

The fire marshal urges holiday cooks to ensure someone is in the kitchen watching any time the stovetop is in use. Unattended cooking accounts for one-third of all cooking fires.

Those who fry turkeys should ensure the turkey is entirely thawed and be careful not to overfill the pot with oil. Spilling oil can cause fires and severe burns.

Decorations should be flame-retardant and candles kept away from flammable materials. Keep space heaters away from other objects and ensure fireplaces are cleaned and inspected.