The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and delicious meals shared around the table. However, it’s also a time when home fires and cooking-related injuries are more likely to occur. Thanksgiving leads the calendar as the peak day for home cooking fires, followed closely by Christmas and Christmas Eve. These fires result in injuries, tragic losses, and significant property damage.
One common culprit? Turkey frying. While fried turkey has become a holiday favorite, the process involves high temperatures and large amounts of oil, posing serious burn and fire hazards. Despite advancements in fryer safety, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warns that even the most careful home cooks face risks. The NFPA advises against the use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers unless operated by trained professionals, such as those at grocery stores, specialty food retailers, or restaurants using professional-grade equipment.
For those craving fried turkey, the Prince William County Fire & Rescue System suggests opting for a safer alternative: an oil-less turkey fryer.
Turkey Frying: Hazards and Precautions
If you choose to fry your turkey, here are key risks to watch out for and precautions to take:
Hot Oil Spills or Splashes: Placing or removing the turkey can cause oil to splash onto the flame, igniting a fire.Fryer Collapse: Outdoor fryers, even with a stand, can tip over, spilling hot oil.Oil Combustibility: Hot oil can splatter when exposed to rain or snow, leading to burns.Burn Hazards: Fryers in close quarters pose risks to children and others. Oil in the pot remains dangerously hot for hours after use.Frozen Turkeys: Cooking a frozen or partially frozen turkey causes oil splattering or steam, which can result in burns.Grease Fires: Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. Instead, evacuate and call 911.
Safety Reminder: Do not use turkey fryers in or under structures like garages, decks, porches, or barns that could catch fire.
Cooking Safely This Holiday Season
Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires, but with a little extra care, these fires are completely preventable. The Prince William County Fire & Rescue System urges residents to remember “Look When You Cook.”
Tips to Prevent Cooking FiresStay in the Kitchen: Always remain nearby when frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food.Turn Off the Stovetop: If you need to leave the kitchen, even briefly, turn off the heat.Use a Timer: When simmering, baking, or roasting, check food regularly and use a timer as a reminder.Clear the Stove Area: Keep oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, and curtains away from the stove.What to Do in Case of a FireFor a Pan Fire: Cover the pan with a lid to smother the flames, turn off the heat, and leave the pan covered until completely cool. Never use water to extinguish the fire.For an Oven Fire: Turn off the oven, keep the door closed, and call 911 if the fire grows.For a Microwave Fire: Turn off the microwave, keep the door closed, and wait for the fire to suffocate.
If the fire cannot be safely contained:
Get Out Immediately: Close the door behind you to slow the fire’s spread.Call 911 Once Outside.
Cooking together is one of the joys of the holiday season, but safety should always come first. For additional information and tips, visit the National Fire Protection Association at nfpa.org.