PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) -- The holiday season is here! With Thanksgiving just days away, the Prince William County Fire and Rescue System is reminding the community to be cautious when frying a turkey. Officials said during the holiday season, house fires and fire-related injuries increase due to increased cooking. The fire department said Thanksgiving is the peak for cooking fires, followed by Christmas and Christmas Eve. DMV Chef highlights importance of side dishes for Thanksgiving According to the fire and rescue system, one contributor to holiday cooking fires is frying a turkey. Even though the cooking method is popular, officials said it is dangerous due to burn hazards, including the following: Hot oil can spill or splash over onto the flame igniting a fire. Fryers designed for outdoor use with or without a stand are prone to collapse, causing major hot oil spills. Cooking oil is combustible. Steam can result from hot cooking oil being exposed to snow or rain, causing splattering of hot oil and leading to burns. The use of turkey fryers in close quarters poses a burn hazard to children and others in the home, as the oil inside the fryer can stay dangerously hot for hours after use. Do not use in, on, or under a garage deck, breezeway, porch, barn or any structure that can catch fire. If you plan on frying your turkey this year, the fire department advises people to use an "oil-less" turkey fryer. Fire officials said the leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking. To keep you and your loved ones safe, the Prince William County Fire and Rescue System encourages the community to "Look when you cook." To avoid a fire sparking in the kitchen, officials encourage residents to: Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling or grilling food. Turn off the stove if you leave the kitchen, even for a short period of time. If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly. Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stove.