Residents of Montgomery County will be able to cook outdoors this Thanksgiving holiday; however, the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office (MCFMO) urges caution.

MCFMO reported that cooking equipment is the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries in the U.S. Whether residents are cooking the family holiday dinner or a snack for the children, practicing safe cooking behaviors will help keep families safe.

MCFMO suggested staying in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. Use turkey fryers outdoors away from buildings and items that can catch fire. Also, never use a turkey fryer in a garage or on a wooden deck.

Magnolia Fire Chief Gary Vincent said residents should also check their smoke detectors.

He added that when operating a deep fryer, residents should make sure they understand the process and have a Class D fire extinguisher available. A Class D fire extinguisher is used for flammable liquids

Additionally, MCFMO lifted the county-wide burn ban Oct. 28 allowing for the burning of limbs and leaves. While MCFMO does not recommend burning, they understand some residents will choose to do so.

MCFMO stated that improving conditions and recent rainfall have suspended the ban on burning limbs and leaves. The ban on burning garbage remains in effect year round.

Currently the county is in moderate fire danger. Recent rains have led to some “green up” of lighter fuels such as grasses, according to MCFMO.

As the county moves into the winter season, fire danger will fluctuate depending on daily weather conditions. MCFMO said continued lack of rainfall and dead vegetation from upcoming winter freezes will cause for concern in the coming months.

MCFMO said they will continue to monitor changing conditions and issue warnings when conditions warrant.

The area remains in a long term drought; however, accumulations of brush can present a significant hazard as well. MCFMO explained that with the onset of winter weather patterns, there is a window of opportunity for residents to dispose of brush that has accumulated over the past several months.

Before burning, MCFMO said residents should check weather forecasts and refrain from burning on any days where a fire weather watch or red flag warning has been issued.

Brush piles may not contain trash. Residents may only burn limbs and leaves gathered from the property where the burning is occurring. Burning must not cause a nuisance to neighbors.

Burning of trash or household garbage in subdivisions on less than five acres is a Class C Misdemeanor with a fine up to $500. Deputy Fire Marshals will continue to issue citations on the burning of garbage.

For more information about burning, visit facebook.com/MCFMO or mctx.org.

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