During 2006, 1,400 home structure fires involving cooking equipment occurred on Thanksgiving, which is more than three times the daily average, according to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

“The potential for disaster on Thanksgiving is very real," Reno Fire Marshal Joan Presley said. "Thanksgiving Day is the peak day for home cooking fires during the year.”

The Reno fire marshal offered the following tips to prevent holiday home fires:

• Make sure cooking appliances are in good working order.

• Start holiday cooking with a clean stove and oven, making sure any old grease or food spills are cleaned up to minimize the chance of a flare-up.

• Keep kitchen clutter, especially combustibles such as paper towels, food packaging, potholders, oven mitts and similar materials, as well as loose clothing, away from stove burners.

• Maintain a three-foot “child-free” zone around stoves and ovens while cooking.

• Turn pot handles in toward the rear of the stove and out of the reach of children. If handles are allowed to stick out over the stove, they could be grabbed by a child or accidentally bumped, spilling the hot contents of the pot and causing burns.

• If the contents of a pot or pan catch fire, do not touch or try to move the pot or pan, as this can spread the fire or cause burns. Turn off the burner and extinguish the flames by covering them with a metal lid or larger pot.

• Never use water on a grease fire, which can cause a flare-up. Extinguish the flames by covering them with a metal lid or larger pot.

• If you are burned, do not use ice, butter or other substances on the burn. Ice can damage the skin and butter or other substances can trap the heat in. Instead, cool the burn under a steady stream of tap water and seek medical attention for serious burns.

• In the event of a fire or medical emergency, always call 911.

Further holiday safety and year-round fire prevention tips can be obtained by calling the Reno Fire Department’s Division of Fire Prevention at 334-2300.