COOS BAY, Ore. - Deep fat fryers, they make for a delicious turkey on Thanksgiving but local fire officials are reminding folks to be extra careful when frying your bird.

According to the Oregon State Fire Marshall, from 2004 to 2008 there were 2,961 cooking-related fires in Oregon which caused six deaths and 246 injuries.

So this Thanksgiving, fire officials are encouraging folks who plan on using deep fat fryers, to keep some safety precautions in mind including frying your bird outdoors and away from children and keep a fire extinguisher handy.

Gibson says another important tip to keep in mind, if your turkey is frozen, remember to thaw it out completely before putting it in the fryer.

When you're finished, make sure you throw away the fat and don't leave it out where a pet can get into it.