Benbrook Fire Responds to 404 Calls in October.

From fires to medical emergencies, Benbrook firefighters and paramedics answered 404 calls for service in October, according to the Benbrook Fire Department’s latest monthly report.

Of those calls, 242 involved emergency medical services, 109 were fire-related, and 53 required both fire and EMS responses.

As Thanksgiving approaches, the department is also reminding residents to take extra precautions in the kitchen, where holiday cooking can quickly become a fire hazard.

Fire officials encourage residents to never leave cooking unattended, keep flammable materials away from stovetops, and keep children and pets clear of hot surfaces.

For those planning to deep-fry a turkey, the department recommends using fryers outdoors on a flat, stable surface, away from homes, garages, and decks. Turkeys should be completely thawed and dry before frying, and fryers should never be overfilled or left unattended.

A few simple precautions can help keep Thanksgiving celebrations focused on family and food, not an unexpected visit from the fire department.