As families prepare for Thanksgiving gatherings, fire officials are reminding the public that the holiday-and the day before-are the two highest-risk days of the year for home cooking fires in the United States. According to the American Red Cross, cooking sparks an average of 158,400 home fires each year, accounting for 44% of all home fires nationwide. The Indiana Region of the Red Cross is urging Hoosiers to take extra precautions in the kitchen as they prepare holiday meals. “Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, and the second leading cause of home fire deaths,” the organization said. “Most happen because people leave cooking food unattended. We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable holiday, so don’t leave the kitchen while you’re cooking.” The Red

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