DOVER, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) As Granite Staters prepare for one of the busiest cooking days of the year, fire officials are urging families to stay focused in the kitchen — and to understand just how quickly a holiday meal can go wrong.

On Tuesday, the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office joined Dover Fire & Rescue and the American Red Cross in Dover to highlight the risks of home-cooking fires. Officials spoke with reporters about common hazards and demonstrated how rapidly a stovetop flare-up can spread, using a controlled live burn to show how distraction can turn dangerous in seconds.

Home-cooking fires are consistently one of New Hampshire’s leading causes of residential fires, Fire Marshal Sean Toomey said, and nationwide fire activity spikes during the holiday season when more people are entertaining guests and preparing large meals. “Better awareness can help bring incidents down year-round,” he said in a news release.

Firefighters reminded residents that unattended food is one of the biggest dangers, whether it’s frying on a stovetop or roasting in the oven. Deputy Chief Brendan Driscoll of Dover Fire & Rescue said simple habits — like keeping combustibles away from burners, staying nearby while cooking and knowing how to smother a grease fire — can prevent emergencies. If a fire does start, he said, families should evacuate quickly and call 911 from outside.

The Red Cross, which sees nearly 20 percent more home-fire responses in November and December, urged families to double-check smoke alarms and review escape plans ahead of the holiday. Regional CEO Stephanie Couturier noted that home fires remain the country’s most common disaster and disproportionately affect children and older adults. The organization offers free smoke alarm installations for residents who need them.

Fire officials also cautioned against using traditional oil-based turkey fryers, which have caused severe burns and major fires nationwide. Safer options include purchasing a pre-fried turkey or using an oil-free fryer.

Key Holiday Cooking Safety Reminders

  • Stay in the kitchen while using the stovetop.

  • Keep flammable items at least 3 feet from heat sources.

  • Use timers for long cook times.

  • Keep a lid nearby to smother a small grease fire.

  • Turn off the oven and keep the door closed if a fire starts inside.

  • Keep children and pets 3 feet from cooking areas.

New Hampshire residents can request a free smoke-alarm installation and fire-safety visit through the Red Cross at redcross.org/EndHomeFiresNNE or by calling 800-464-6692.