ROCKVILLE, Md. (DC News Now) -- Thanksgiving is days away, and while it’s a time for celebration, it’s also a day when cooking fires peak.  According to the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS), cooking is the leading cause of home fires during the holidays. Thanksgiving comes in No. 1, followed by Christmas and Christmas Eve.  “This is the beginning of the busy season for us,” Pete Piringer, chief spokesperson for MCFRS, said. “It’s usually because of unattended cooking where people don’t have a plan. They are overwhelmed. There are distractions all over the place on Thanksgiving.”  Thanksgiving holiday travel rush begins at Reagan National, on the roads Piringer recommends keeping a fire extinguisher nearby, ensuring smoke detectors are functional and having a safety plan that all housemembers are aware of in the case of a fire.  “Have a plan and part of that plan needs to be make sure that your stovetop and area around the oven is clear of any combustibles,” Piringer said.  Deep-frying a turkey is another potential risk during the holiday.  If frying a turkey, Piringer recommends doing so outside on a hard, flat surface.   “Make sure that you follow the [fryer’s] manufacturer’s instructions,” Piringer said. “Make sure that the turkey is properly thawed or prepared, the oil level is appropriate, and those things can eliminate any kind of hazards.”