Des Moines Fire Department tips to avoid holiday fires

DES MOINES, Iowa —

Recent fires in and around the metro are prompting fresh reminders about holiday fire safety, Des Moines Fire Department officials said.

"We really need to pay attention to leaving anything that’s being cooked unattended," firefighter Ahman Douglass said.

"Leaving the home while something is in the oven or whatever, and making sure that everyone in the household is on board with participating in safety of the entire place," Douglass said.

Video captured a house fire in Des Moines on Thursday ; its cause remains under investigation. Another recent fire was attributed to user error , officials said.

With Thanksgiving approaching, Douglass urged anyone deep-frying a turkey to cook outside, well away from homes, decks and garages.

"Read the instructions," he said.