According to the latest report from the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires. Nearly four times as many home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving day. Between 2011 and 2015, fire departments responded to an annual average of 170,200 home structure fires involving cooking equipment, which resulted in 510 civilian fire deaths, 5,470 civilian fire injuries, and $1.2 billion in direct property damage.

Eighteen people have been displaced by a fire yesterday at the Colony Inn on Harvard Way. The blaze started in a common area that includes a kitchen, heating and air conditioning. Fire investigators say one resident tried to put out the fire with an extinguisher, without success. Arriving firefighters quickly put out the blaze, but eight residents were displaced immediately and another ten were required to move out when it was determined that their furnaces and utilities were not safe. Reno Fire and the American Red Cross are helping those displaced with temporary accommodations, food and medications. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Sparks Boulevard north of North Los Altos was closed for a couple of hours yesterday evening after a vehicle struck a pedestrian in the roadway. Police say a man was driving a G-M-C Yukon with his wife and infant child when a pedestrian reportedly stepped into the roadway. The driver of the Yukon told police he was traveling the speed limit on the dark roadway when the pedestrian suddenly appeared. The truck hit the pedestrian and threw him a short distance onto the roadway. He was wearing all black clothing and police say they believe alcohol may have been involved. The injured pedestrian was taken to Renown Hospital where he is being treated for non-life threatening injuries. Names of those involved are not being released.

It's time for Black Friday sales, with several stores like Kohls and Walmart opening up this afternoon and early evening. Take steps to protect your gifts while shopping.