THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – WEDnESDAy, nOVEmbEr 26, 2025 Page 7 Wishing you the best for a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Special to Th e Advocate N ovember 11, 2025 – An estimated 1,446 home cooking fires were reported to U.S. fi re departments on Thanksgiving Day in 2023, refl ecting a 388 percent increase over the daily average, according to the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®). Christmas Day and Christmas Eve ranked as the second- and third-leading days of the year for home cooking fi res. “Thanksgiving is a hectic holiday with multiple dishes cooking and baking at the same time, and along with guests, entertaining, and other distractions, it can be easy to lose sight of what’s HEROES | FROM PAGE 6 “A lot of people and organizations rally around to donate goods. There are seven different organizations that hold food drives for us. And we have a number of corporate people involved – Trader Joe’s of Saugus, Price Rite in Lynn, Whole Foods in Lynfi eld and Market Basket in Lynn. Stop & Shop in Saugus is also a huge contributor. Local schools, the local YMCA, the VFW and two Girl Scout troops also contribute to the cause, according to Debbie Hoyle. Saugus High Football Head Coach Steve Cummings has become a regular over the past seven years, bringing with him some of his players. “Just to be able to come on the stove or in the oven,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “With all these factors at play, it’s no surprise that we consistently see a dramatic spike in home cooking fi res on Thanksgiving.” On annual average between 2019 and 2023, cooking accounted for the majority of U.S. home fires on Thanksgiving Day (80 percent) and 40 percent of the civilian injuries; no civilian deaths were reported. Overall, cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home fi res and injuries and the second-leading cause of home fire deaths. Unattended cooking is the leading contributing factor in home cooking fi res and fi re deaths. “Keeping a close eye on what’s cooking and minimizing the likelihood of getting distracted can greatly reduce the risk of cooking fi res,” said Carli. “As simple as these preventative measures may sound, they truly can help ensure that everyone enjoys a festive, fi re-free holiday.” Following are additional tips and recommendations from NFPA to help everyone cook safely on Thanksgiving: • Never leave the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop. Some types of cooking, especially those that involve frying or sautéing with oil, need continuous attention. • When cooking a turkey, remain at home and check it reg100 Salem Turnpike, Saugus, MA 01906 WINWASTESAUGUS.COM Thanksgiving is leading day of the year for U.S. home cooking fi res ularly. • Make use of timers to keep track of cooking times, particularly for foods that require longer cook times. • Keep things that can catch fi re like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers, and towels at least three feet away from the cooking area. • Avoid long sleeves and hanging fabrics that can come in contact with a heat source. • Always cook with a lid beside your pan. If a small grease fi re starts, smother the fl ames by sliding the lid over the pan, then turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fi re could start again. • For an oven fi re, turn off the ties. They understand that any time you’re able to give back, it’s a good thing,” he said. Mary Lou (she didn’t want to give her last name) said she was one of the volunteers about three decades heat and keep the door closed. Only open the door once you’re confi dent the fi re is completely out, standing to the side as you do. If you have any doubts or concerns, contact the fi re department for assistance. • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried. Hot foods and liquids should be placed away from table and counter edges. In addition, NFPA strongly discourages the use of turkey fryers that use cooking oil, which can cause devastating burns. For a safe alternative, NFPA recomFIRES | SEE PAGE 11 ago when Carol Cashman organized the fi rst Thanksgiving food drive at the food pantry. “I’ve been here – on and off – for about 22 years. It’s a very good thing that the people here are doing,” Mary Lou said. TURKEYS TO GO: Volunteers checked out the turkeys that were given away to needy families who visited the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry last Saturday. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) down here for a couple of hours and help families have a good Thanksgiving – that’s a good thing to be able to do,” Cummings said on Saturday morning. “We have some good kids on our team who see the big picture in life and the importance of building community Toys! $599.95 Collectibles! $1,195.95
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