MASSENA – Massena firefighters are warning North Country Thanksgiving celebrants that each year, cooking on that day is the leading cause of home fires.

That’s according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which says that a cooking fire is three times more likely on Thanksgiving than on any other day of the year.

“Most fires on Thanksgiving occur between noon and 4 p.m. – the peak cooking hours,” says IAFF Local #2220 Firefighter Mulvenna. “A lot of those fires can be easily avoided by staying alert and in the kitchen while cooking.”

Many home cooking fires are caused by unattended equipment, abandoned material, a heat source left too close to flammable materials, product misuse and cooking equipment that is not properly turned off, according to the Massena firefighters.

The use of turkey fryers – which use a large amount of cooking oil at high temperatures – also poses a significant danger and can lead to devastating burns, other injuries and the destruction of property. IAFF Local #2220 recommends seeking out grocery stores, specialty food retailers and restaurants for preparation in hot oil or using an oil-less fryer that cooks with infrared heat.

If you have a cooking fire, the firefighters urge pople to go outside and call 9-1-1 for the help of local fire departments. Do not try to fight the fire yourself.

Thanksgiving is also a high time for cooking related burns. To prevent scalds and burns, cook on back burners and make sure all pot handles are turned inward so children don’t come into contact with them.

Appliances that get hot, such as toaster ovens, should also be well out of a child’s reach. Have a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared or carried.

“IAFF Local #2220 urges you to cook with caution and wishes you a happy Thanksgiving holiday,” the press release from the union said.