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Safety Officials Warn Of Holiday Fire Danger

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota safety officials say the holiday season can be a deadly time for home fires.

Last year, November and December were the deadliest months of 2013 with 14 fire deaths in Minnesota.

State Fire Marshal Bruce West is urging Minnesotans to take extra precautions this Thanksgiving. The three leading causes of Minnesota fires last year — cooking, heating and open flame — are in abundance during the holidays.

West offers some safety tips, such as never leaving a hot stovetop or oven unattended. He says space heaters should be kept three feet from anything combustible and should be turned off while you're sleeping.

He also suggests switching to flameless candles and making sure decorations are kept three feet from any fuel source.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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