As millions of families celebrate Thanksgiving, cooking and gatherings are at the heart of the festivities. However, it’s also the day with the highest number of kitchen fires, with nearly 74% of residential fires occurring due to cooking. A major culprit in these incidents is the use of turkey fryers.
Deep frying a turkey is risky, especially if the bird is partially frozen or damp. The intense heat causes the water in the turkey to rapidly vaporize, creating a steam explosion that can cause the oil to boil over, igniting a flash fire. These fires spread quickly, igniting clothing, walls, and furniture, and are difficult to extinguish.
Safety Tips for Frying Turkey:
- Never fry a turkey indoors or in a garage, and keep the fryer at least 10 feet away from the house.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions and never leave the fryer unattended.
- Keep children and pets away and ensure the fryer is on a flat surface.
- Avoid using water or water-based extinguishers to put out oil fires; these can make the fire worse.
If a fire breaks out, evacuate immediately and call 911. It’s always best to err on the side of caution—if the weather is poor or conditions are not ideal, opt for traditional oven baking.
Stay fire-safe, enjoy the holiday, and remember to check these tips twice.
Another Public Safety Tip from the Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Company
