Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips Every Denver Homeowner Should Know

Fire Restoration

Thanksgiving is one of the most joyful holidays of the year, but it’s also one of the most dangerous for home fires. According to national fire data, Thanksgiving is the #1 day for cooking-related fires in the United States. Between crowded kitchens, hot ovens, busy schedules, and unexpected distractions, it only takes a moment for a fire to start.

At PuroClean of Central Denver, we respond to many fire, smoke, and soot losses during the holiday season. To help keep your home and family safe, here are the top Thanksgiving fire safety tips every homeowner should follow.

🦃 1. Never Leave the Kitchen Unattended

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of house fires.

Stay in the kitchen when:

  • Frying
  • Grilling
  • Boiling
  • Broiling

If you need to step away, turn off the stove until you return.

🔥 2. Keep Flammable Items Far From Heat Sources

Thanksgiving kitchens get crowded — and risky.

Keep these at least 3 feet away from stovetops and ovens:

  • Paper towels
  • Dish towels
  • Oven mitts
  • Food packaging
  • Decorations
  • Wooden utensils
  • Cookbooks

Even a small spark or hot burner can ignite them.

🛢️ 3. Be Extra Careful With Turkey Fryers

Turkey fryers are responsible for hundreds of fires every year.

If you must use one:

  • Only fry outdoors, far from the home and deck
  • Make sure the turkey is completely thawed
  • Never overfill the oil
  • Use the fryer on a flat, level surface
  • Keep kids and pets far away

And never use a fryer inside a garage or enclosed space.

🚒 4. Test Your Smoke Alarms Before Cooking Begins

Before the chaos of Thanksgiving starts, check:

  • Smoke alarms are working
  • Batteries are installed
  • You have alarms on every level of the home

Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of injury in a fire by half.

🧯 5. Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby

Every kitchen should have a Class ABC fire extinguisher.
Make sure everyone knows:

  • Where it’s located
  • How to use it (“Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep”)

Never use water on a grease fire, it can cause an explosion.

🍳 6. Prevent Grease Fires With Good Cooking Habits

Grease fires are common during big cooking holidays.

To reduce the risk:

  • Keep pans clean of excess grease
  • Heat oil slowly
  • Don’t overcrowd frying pans
  • Use splatter guards when possible
  • Turn pot handles inward to avoid spills

If a grease fire starts:
✔ Cover the pan with a metal lid
✔ Turn off the heat
✘ Do NOT use water
✘ Do NOT move the burning pot

🎄 7. Be Careful With Holiday Decorations

Thanksgiving decorations can ignite easily, especially near candles or stovetops.

Use:

  • LED candles instead of flame candles
  • Flame-resistant décor
  • Battery-powered centerpieces

Avoid placing decorations near heat or cooking surfaces.

👶 8. Protect Kids and Pets During the Holiday Rush

Create a “kid-free zone” (and pet-free) at least 3 feet around the stove.

Children and pets can easily be burned or knock over hot pans without realizing the danger.

🏠 9. Clean Your Oven and Stove Before Thanksgiving

Built-up grease and food particles increase fire risk.

A quick pre-holiday oven cleaning ensures:

  • Fewer flare-ups
  • Even cooking
  • Cleaner air inside the home

🧹 10. Know When to Call 911

If a fire is growing or you’re unsure you can extinguish it:
Evacuate immediately and call 911.

Property can be restored — lives cannot.

Count on PuroClean of Central Denver This Thanksgiving Season

If a fire, smoke, or soot incident occurs this holiday, our team is available 24/7 to respond quickly. We follow strict IICRC standards to mitigate fire damage, remove odor, clean soot from surfaces and HVAC systems, and get your home back to pre-loss condition as safely and efficiently as possible.

Stay safe, enjoy the holiday, and know that PuroClean of Central Denver is here when you need us.

More like this