Marion Fire/EMS reminds all residents to extreme caution when preparing thanksgiving meals. The occurrence of cooking fires nearly double on this holiday. Never leave the stove unattended and all combustibles should be a minimum of three feet away from any cooking or frying operations. Frying operations should only take place outside and a minimum of ten feet from all structures including decks. The best way to respond to stove top fires is to place a lid on it and turn the heat off. Oven fires are best handled by keeping the door closed and turning off the heat. If the fire does not extinguish immediately leave the house and call 911. Please remember to have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in the home. The best way to ensure a safe holiday is to follow these basic safety tips.