Thanksgiving Fire Safety and Turkey Fryers

IRONWOOD, MI - Sunday, November 23, 2008 - Ironwood Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ken Jacobson sent the Chronicle the following advice regarding turkey fryers.

Cooking

Thanksgiving Day fires in residential structures cause more property damage and claim more lives than residential structure fires on other days. The increase is troubling as it applies mostly to cooking fires in family homes. In 2005, cooking fires were involved in roughly 1,300 reported home structure fires on Thanksgiving – that’s almost three times the daily average. It is easy to get wrapped up in entertaining guests, but it is important to monitor meal preparations since most cooking fires start when cooking is left unattended.

Another of the recent culprits for the increase of cooking fires during holidays is the turkey fryer. Turkey fryers use a substantial quantity of cooking oil at high temperatures, and many units currently available for use pose a significant tipping danger. The use of turkey fryers by consumers can lead to devastating burns, other injuries and the destruction of property. The following safe cooking tips can help to make your holiday dinner safe and enjoyable:

  • Always use cooking equipment tested and approved by a recognized testing facility.
  • Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire - potholders, towels or curtains - away from your stovetop.
  • Have a "kid-free zone" of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
  • Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire.
  • Never use a wet oven mitt, as it presents a scald danger if the moisture in the mitt is heated.
  • Always keep an oven mitt and lid nearby when you're cooking. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Don't remove the lid until it is completely cool.
  • If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you and your clothing. Have the oven serviced before you use it again.

Source: NFPA

Turkey Fryer Safety

Fires can be prevented. A few easy steps can save your life!For safety's sake, buy a fried turkey from a grocery store, specialty food store, or restaurant instead of frying it yourself. If you decide to fry a turkey, follow these tips to prevent fires and injuries:

  • Place the turkey fryer on a level surface, in an open area away from homes, fences, sheds, and other structures.
  • Never place the fryer on a wooden deck or porch or in a garage or carport. Leave at least 2 feet between the fryer and the propane tank.
  • Keep the fryer in full view at all times.
  • Keep children and pets away from the fryer.
  • Check the oil temperature often. If you see smoke coming from the oil, turn off the gas right away.
  • Completely thaw and dry the turkey before frying. Adding a partially frozen or wet turkey to the pot makes the oil splatter a lot, causing a fire or explosion hazard.
  • Cover bare skin before adding or removing food from the fryer.
  • Raise and lower food slowly to avoid splattering or spilling oil.
  • Use the right amount of oil. To find out how much oil to use, read the fryer's instructions, or:
    • Place the turkey in the pot.
    • Fill with water until the turkey is covered by ½ inch of water.
    • Remove the turkey and pat dry.
    • Mark the water level in the pot.
    • Dump the water, dry the pot, and fill oil to the level marked.
  • If the fryer catches fire, call 911 right away. Do not try to put it out with water.

Turkey Fryer Fire Facts

  • Cooking fires peak on Thanksgiving Day.
  • Between 1998 and 2005, the Consumer Product Safety Commission had 112 reports of fires or burns related to turkey fryers.
  • Most fires from turkey fryers occur while the oil is being heated, before the turkey is added.
  • Contact with hot oil can cause serious burns.
"One final note," Jacobson concluded, "Don't be afraid to call 911! If you're not sure, be safe and call. I can speak for all firefighters when I say we'd much rather be called and not needed than needed and not called or called too late."