ST. PAUL — Minnesota safety officials said 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 urged 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 offered some safety tips, such as never leaving a hot stovetop or oven unattended. He said 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.