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While Thanksgiving is known as the one holiday that families get together, it also has a more dubious and unfortunate distinction as the holiday for cooking-related house fires.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), on Turkey Day, incidents skyrocketed to four times the daily average. In 2022 alone, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,610 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day—a staggering 399 percent increase compared to an average day.
Cooking remains the leading cause of home fires, responsible for over half (52%) of reported incidents, nearly two in five injuries (36%), and 17% of home fire deaths. Most of these fires involve ranges and cooktops, which account for nearly 60% of cooking-related blazes, while ovens contribute another 13%.
The popularity of people frying turkeys at home has undoubtedly contributed to this surge.
“Kitchens are the heart and soul of many homes, and that is even more true during Thanksgiving,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera. “Things can get hectic as people scramble to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner. Please, set timers to help remind yourself of items that are cooking and make sure you are establishing kid and pet free zones around the oven or stove, along with any place there is hot food. Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and enjoy family, follow these tips below so you can have a blessed and safe holiday.”
This Thanksgiving Holiday, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal offers some tips to keep you safe as you’re preparing food — not just during the holiday season but year-round:
- Never leave food that you are frying, boiling, grilling or broiling unattended! If you leave the kitchen, even for a short amount of time, turn off the stove.
- Frying a turkey has become more popular in recent years.
- Make sure to not overfill oil in the fryer. Fill the pot you plan to use to fry the turkey with water and place the turkey in. This will help to determine how much oil is needed without causing oil to spill out when you are ready to fry, which could lead to a fire.
- Use the turkey fryer outdoors ONLY!
- Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry before frying.
- Use long cooking gloves that protect hands and arms when you handle the pot!
- Create a “Kid Free Zone” of at least three feet around the stove or anywhere you are preparing hot food or drinks.
- Keep the area around the stove clear of towels, papers, potholders, or anything that can burn.
- Check your oven before preheating to ensure there are no items inside.
- If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you when food is ready.
- If there is a fire in the oven, keep the door shut and turn off the heat.
- Smother small flames in a pan by sliding a lid over the pan. Turn off the burner and leave the lid over the pan while it cools.
- If you have any doubt fighting a small fire, just get out! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency number from outside the home.
Additional Fire Safety information can be found on the NFPA website or on the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal website.