Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - The holiday season brings joy, family gatherings and delicious meals, but it also marks the peak time for structure fires across the country, many of which are caused by cooking accidents. To keep your holiday celebrations safe, the Las Cruces Fire Department is sharing important safety tips for home chefs.

Cooking mishaps are a leading cause of holiday fires, so LCFD urges cooks to take precautions:

• Start with a clean and organized cooking area, free of clutter.
• Keep children and pets out of the kitchen to prevent accidents.
• Avoid overcrowding the cooking space; limit the number of people working in the area.
• Steer clear of loose clothing and jewelry that could pose a hazard.
• Never leave the cooking area unattended, whether indoors or outdoors. Always turn off burners and appliances before stepping away.

Deep-frying turkeys has become a popular holiday trend, but it comes with unique risks. LCFD recommends:

• Always fry turkeys outdoors, at least 10 feet away from walls, fences or other flammable surfaces.
• Check propane hoses for damage and ensure the tank and fryer are safely separated.
• Completely thaw the turkey and handle it slowly when placing it in or removing it from the fryer.
• Monitor the oil temperature and never leave the fryer unattended.

LCFD also reminds residents to have a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it. Never use water to extinguish grease fires, and if a fire occurs, call 911 immediately.

For more safety tips, visit LCFD's Cooking and Holiday Safety Tips page.