PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- The potential for a fire to start at home tends to be higher this time of year (holidays/winter) for a few different reasons.

Pierre Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ian Paul says the number of fires started while cooking tends to increase this time of year.

Paul says unattended cooking is another main cause of kitchen fires.

Paul encourages people to also be extra careful if cooking outdoors with a turkey fryer or grill.

Another cause of home fires this time of year, Paul says, are holiday lights,  lighted decorations and real Christmas trees.

Other holiday fire safety reminders include:

• Have working smoke alarms on each level of a home, in each bedroom and adjacent to all sleeping areas.
• Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
• Never leave candles or fireplaces burning unattended.
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
• Keep children at least three feet away from the stove, oven, hot food and liquids. Steam or splash from vegetables, gravy, or coffee could cause serious burns.
• Be sure supplemental heating sources such as space heaters have plenty of clear space around them.
• Turn off lights and extinguish candles before leaving the house or going to bed.