Keep the Kitchen Safe!

Thanksgiving brings extra activity to the kitchen. Stay attentive while cooking, and keep hot equipment away from children and pets. For year-round advice, see our cooking safety tips.

Thanksgiving Fire Facts

Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires. In 2023, an estimated 1,446 home cooking fires were reported nationwide on Thanksgiving—almost four times above the daily average.  Date from  2020–2024 found that unattended equipment was a factor in one quarter of reported home cooking fires and half of related deaths. 

Cook Safely

• Stay in the kitchen when frying, boiling, broiling, or grilling food. If you leave, turn off the burner.
• Use a timer for the turkey and other long-cooking dishes.
• Keep towels, food packaging, oven mitts, and wooden utensils away from the stovetop.
• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Keep children and pets at least 3 feet from hot surfaces.
• If you’re tired or have been drinking alcohol, don’t cook at the stove.

Frying a Turkey

Turkey fryers can tip, overflow, or splash hot oil. If you use one:

• Set it outdoors on a level, noncombustible surface, at least 10 feet from the house and away from roof eaves. Never use a fryer in a garage or on a deck.
• Measure the oil before heating it. Test the amount with water first so the pot won’t overflow when you add the turkey.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry before lowering it into the oil.
• Use a fryer with thermostat controls, and don’t move it while it’s hot.
• Have an adult watch the fryer the entire time. Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away.
• Consider an electric or air fryer instead.

If a Pan Catches Fire

If it’s safe, turn off the heat and cover the pan with a lid or baking sheet. Never use water on a grease fire, and don’t move the pan. If the fire doesn’t go out right away, get everyone outside, close the door behind you, and call 911.

The Minoa Fire Department wishes you a safe and happy Thanksgiving.