Turkey Deep Fryers: A Serious Thanksgiving Fire Hazard

Dangers of Cooking Fires at Holiday Time

Home cooking fires are more common during Thanksgiving than any other time of year. The leading cause of these fires is unattended cooking. Cooking oil quickly ignites, so it’s important to always stay alert while food is cooking on the stovetop, oven or outdoor grills. Deep frying turkeys is particularly hazardous because they can easily tip over, spilling hot oil and causing a fire. They can also overheat, causing the oil to ignite.

In fact, the popular but dangerous fad of deep frying turkeys has led to numerous serious injuries and property damage. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) strongly discourages the use of turkey fryers. In this video, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) demonstrate the risk of using turkey fryers to cook a turkey. Almost instantly, flames burst from a turkey fryer and cause the deck and roof of the structure to catch fire.

Here are some of the dangers of using turkey fryers:

• They can easily tip over, spilling hot oil and causing a fire.
• They can overheat, causing the oil to ignite.
• They can be difficult to control, making it easy for hot oil to splash and cause burns.

If you must use a turkey fryer, please follow these safety tips:

• Use it outdoors, away from any flammable materials, such as buildings, decks, and trees.
• Use a large pot that is specifically designed for deep frying.
• Fill the pot with no more than the recommended amount of oil.
• Never leave the fryer unattended.
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of a fire, and make sure everyone knows how to use it.

According to the NFPA, cooking caused an average of 158,400 reported home structure fires per year (44 percent of all reported home fires in the US). These fires resulted in an average of 470 civilian deaths (18 percent of all home fire deaths) and 4,150 civilian injuries (42 percent of all reported home fire injuries) annually.

Holiday time can be an especially dangerous time as we may be less attentive while cooking as we chat with family and friends.

By following these safety tips, you can help to prevent a home cooking fire and enjoy a safe and delicious Thanksgiving meal.

Additional safety tips:

• Keep children and pets away from the stove.
• Never overload electrical outlets.
• Use oven mitts and keep towels away from heat sources.
• Clean up spills immediately.
• Use a stovetop fan to vent smoke and grease out of the kitchen.
• Check smoke alarms regularly to make sure they are working properly.
• Keep fire extinguishers in the kitchen, dining room, and garage.
• Teach children how to use fire extinguishers.
• Have a plan for exiting your home or premises in case of a fire.

However, if if someone else’s carelessness or negligence caused your burn injury due to a home fire, then you may be entitled to compensation that can help cover the costs associated with the physical and emotional trauma. A Washington, DC burn injury lawyer from our firm can help determine if you have legal options to recover compensation.