THE ILLINOIS STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE IS WARNING ABOUT THE DANGERS OF COOKING FIRES THIS THANKSGIVING. 

WHILE EVERYONE IS FOCUSED ON PROTECTING THEMSELVES FROM COVID...FIRE MARSHAL SPOKESPERSON J-C FULTZ SAYS FAMILIES NEED TO REMEMBER OVEN AND STOVE SAFETY THIS WEEK AS WELL.

AND IF YOU'RE FRYING YOUR TURKEY:

FULTZ SAYS YOU ALSO WANT TO MAKE SURE THE TURKEY IS COMPLETELY THAWED BEFORE PUTTING IT IN THE FRYER. HE ADDS THAT YOU CAN SMOTHER SMALL FLAMES IN A PAN BY SLIDING A LID OVER THE TOP.

 HE NOTES THANKSGIVING IS THE NUMBER ONE DAY FOR FIRES INVOLVING HOME COOKING EQUIPMENT, WITH FOUR TIMES AS MANY AS USUAL REPORTED EACH YEAR.