Fire safety encouraged during Thanksgiving holiday

South Dakota’s Fire Marshal reminds citizens to enjoy the good food and activity that are part of the Thanksgiving holiday, but not to forget the importance of fire safety.

Nationally, Thanksgiving Day is when the most home cooking fires happen each year. State Fire Marshal Paul Merriman says the holiday always presents several different fire risks.

Merriman says people need to stay alert to food cooking on ovens or in stoves, but also with the use of candles, fireplaces and other heating sources.

Merriman says it is important, at all times of the year, to have working smoke alarms on each level of the home.