(COLORADO SPRINGS)– It’s that time of year again, and as Thanksgiving gets closer, the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) has some safety reminders. Cooking the holiday meal takes a lot of work and preparation, and some basic mistakes can quickly turn into a disaster.

In November 2023, CSFD responded to multiple kitchen fires. The department said the holiday season is when they respond to the most structure fires because of negligence while in the kitchen.

“Historically, we do see more fires starting next week. Started at Thanksgiving right into the Christmas and New Year’s holidays,” said Kathy Hook with CSFD.

CSFD said in the last two years, crews have responded to seven kitchen fires each November, and in November of 2021, they were called to nine. While those numbers might seem small, CSFD said they are higher compared to other months of the year.

Kitchen fires have already begun to increase this year, as CSFD responded to a kitchen fire on Monday, Nov. 18.

“We love fried turkeys, but that hot oil that we put the turkey in… first and foremost, you have to remember that oil and water do not mix, and that turkey needs to be completely thawed before we put it in hot oil,” said Hook.

CSFD sent FOX21 News a demonstration of what not to do this Thanksgiving, especially if you’re trying to fry a still frozen turkey.

“If you have not thawed your turkey and it’s Wednesday, don’t fry your turkey. You don’t have enough time to do that,” said Hook.

The best way to put out a fire is to smother the flames with a pot cover, or a dry chemical extinguisher.

“The very best thing you can do is to take a lid or even a cookie sheet, something to snuff out that flame or whatever is flaring on the stove, turn off the oven or the stove,” said Hook.

Make sure to always fry your bird outside, away from anything combustible like a wood deck or patio.

“It’s epecially important that we don’t have kids, pets, people around that turkey fire. That’s very, very dangerous if that were to tip over,” said Hook.

And if you’re planning to cook your bird the old-fashion way in the oven, make sure the kitchen is free of any clutter.

“There’s lots of things that can pile up around the stove, around the oven area that can and has caused significant fires within the home,” said Hook.

It might sound like common sense, but other tips include using timers, paying attention when cooking, and never leave an open flame unattended. As always, make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are charged and up-to-date.