Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and delicious food—but it’s also the #1 day for home-cooking fires in the U.S. A single distraction in the kitchen can lead to home-cooking disaster. That is why we advocate for these thanksgiving fire safety measures to ensure you are safe.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving Day is the leading day for home-cooking fires, with three times as many occurring on Thanksgiving as any other day of the year.
Each year between 2014 and 2016, about 2,400 residential building fires were reported to fire departments in the U.S. on Thanksgiving Day. These fires caused an estimated 5 deaths, 25 injuries, and $19 million in property loss.
We all know that on Thanksgiving, the kitchen becomes the heart of the house, and that is why it is very important to be extra careful when cooking. So, as you begin preparing for your family dinner, keep these Thanksgiving fire safety tips in mind.
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Why Thanksgiving Fire Prevention Matters
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving sees 3x more cooking fires than any other day. Common causes include:
🔥 Unattended stovetops
🔥 Turkey fryer accidents
🔥 Overloaded electrical outlets (for all those extra appliances)
A small mistake can quickly turn into a house fire—but with the right precautions, you can keep your home and family safe.
7 Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips You Need to Know
1. Never Leave Cooking Food Unattended
- Most Thanksgiving fires start when food is left alone on the stove or in the oven.
- Stay in the kitchen when frying, boiling, or grilling.
2. Keep Flammable Objects Away from Heat
- Move dish towels, oven mitts, and paper towels away from burners.
- Avoid loose clothing that could catch fire.
3. Use Turkey Fryers with Extreme Caution
- Deep-frying a turkey? Set up the fryer outdoors, far from structures.
- Never leave it unattended, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
4. Check Smoke Alarms Before Cooking
- Test your smoke detectors to ensure they work.
- Replace batteries if needed—this simple step could save your home.
5. Avoid Overloading Electrical Outlets
- Running multiple appliances? Use surge protectors to prevent overheating.
- Unplug devices when not in use.
6. Keep Kids & Pets Out of the Kitchen
- A crowded kitchen increases the risk of spills and burns.
- Designate a kid-free zone near the stove.
7. Know How to Put Out a Grease Fire
- Never use water! It will make the fire worse.
- Smother flames with a metal lid or use a Class B fire extinguisher.
How to prevent turkey fryer fires and injuries
Note that the NFPA discourages using outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers that immerse the turkey in hot oil. They also urge those who prefer deep-fried turkey to consider the new type of “oil-less turkey fryer”.
However, if you still prefer the traditional hot oil fryers, consider these safety tips:
- Use your turkey fryer outdoors on a sturdy, level surface well away from people, pets, and flammable objects.
- Don’t overfill the cooking pot. First place the turkey in the pot with water. This will allow you to determine the correct amount of oil needed.
- Ensure your turkey is completely defrosted before you fry it to prevent hot oil from splattering.
- Use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature of your fryer as it can overheat and start a fire.
- Wear long cooking gloves to protect your hands when handling the turkey fryer.
What to do if you have a cooking fire:
- For small fires: Use an extinguisher or smother the flames.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
- For large fires: Evacuate immediately. Get out of the house and close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
- Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from outside the home.
- If you try to fight the fire using the fire extinguisher, make sure others are getting out and you have a clear path out of the home. Also, ask that someone call the fire department.
- After a fire: Even a small kitchen fire can leave lingering smoke damage. If your home is affected, call PuroClean of Hendersonville for professional cleanup.
FAQs About Thanksgiving Fire Safety
Q: What’s the biggest Thanksgiving fire hazard?
A: Unattended cooking—especially frying turkeys or leaving pots boiling too long.
Q: Can I use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire?
A: Yes, but only a Class B extinguisher. Never use water—it spreads the fire.
Q: How can I prevent oven fires?
A: Clean spills immediately and avoid overheating oil or grease.
Q: What should I do if my smoke alarm goes off?
A: Check the kitchen first. If you see smoke or flames, act fast.
Q: Does homeowners insurance cover Thanksgiving fire damage?
A: Most policies do, but prevention is always better than filing a claim.
For professional fire damage restoration, contact PuroClean of Hendersonville!
A little caution goes a long way in preventing Thanksgiving fires. Follow these Thanksgiving fire safety tips, stay alert in the kitchen, and enjoy a happy, disaster-free holiday!
If disaster strikes, PuroClean of Hendersonville provides fast fire and smoke damage cleanup. Call us anytime at (615) 348-7200 for emergency help. These Thanksgiving safety tips can help you have a safe and wonderful celebration with friends and family.
