Thanksgiving has the distinction of being the day of the year with the highest number of fires—roughly three times more than the average—than any other day of the year. Cooking fires do not observe holidays. Although deep-fried turkeys have grown in popularity recently, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) notes that because of their unique flavor, there is a significant risk to both life and property.
According to tests by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and multiple fire departments, deep fryers are usually top-heavy, which increases the risk of them tipping over, overheating, or spilling hot oil, which could cause burns and fires. Prior to placing the turkey in the pot, five gallons of superheated cooking oil must be prepared. A frozen, cold, or even wet turkey submerged in bubbling hot oil will explode, oozing hot oil over the pot’s rim and onto the burner. If the appliance is in or near a home, the resulting fire may be impossible to manage.
“Turkey fryer dangers are so great that even UL will not certify the appliances with their seal of approval,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis. ” Utilizing stoves, grills, and, more recently, turkey fryers, cooking remains the primary source of U S. home fires and fire injuries. “.
• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, dont use the stove or stovetop. • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. • When baking, roasting, simmering, or boiling food, set a timer to remind you that you are cooking. You should also check it frequently and stay in the house during the cooking process. • Keep all combustible items away from your stovetop, including towels, curtains, food packaging, wooden utensils, and oven mitts.
• You have only a few moments to either put out a grease fire or escape. • Grease fires can be extinguished with baking soda, but a large amount of the substance is required to do so. Unless the baking soda is easily accessible, its usually easier to quickly find a lid. • A dry chemical fire extinguisher will also work, but it will contaminate your kitchen and food. Class K fire extinguishers are typically found only in commercial kitchens, despite the fact that they are available to put out grease and other kitchen fires. • Keep a non-glass lid nearby when cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave pan covered until it has cooled. • Before attempting to put out the fire, make sure there is a clear path out and that everyone else is doing the same. • DO NOT POUR WATER ON A GREASE FIRE! Water will not put out a fire that is burning grease or oil. Burning oil will splash, spreading the grease fire over a larger area. • Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. • If covering the fire doesn’t help, quickly exit the area and close the door behind you to aid in its containment. • For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. • If clothes are caught on fire; STOP, DROP, and ROLL to extinguish them. • Treat any burns only after the fire is contained or the building is completely evacuated. Call for paramedics for serious burns.
For more information about fire safety and prevention, please visit www.state.il.us/osfm or www.nfpa.org.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. But it’s also a time when kitchen fires are more likely to occur. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires
One of the most common causes of Thanksgiving fires is turkey fryers. These convenient devices can swiftly prepare a turkey, but improper use can make them hazardous as well.
If you’re planning to use a turkey fryer this Thanksgiving, it’s important to take some precautions to prevent a fire. Here are some tips:
- Use the fryer outdoors, away from buildings and flammable materials.
- Never use a turkey fryer in a garage or on a wooden deck.
- Make sure the fryer is on a flat surface to avoid spilling hot oil.
- Never leave the fryer unattended.
- Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
- Do not overfill the fryer.
- Have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of a fire.
- Know how to use the fire extinguisher before you start cooking.
If a fire does start, do not try to put it out with water. Water will only spread the fire. Instead use a fire extinguisher or baking soda to smother the flames.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to put out a turkey fryer fire:
- Turn off the gas or propane supply to the fryer.
- If possible, move the fryer away from any flammable materials.
- Use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. Aim the extinguisher at the base of the flames.
- If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, use baking soda to smother the flames.
- Once the fire is out, let the fryer cool completely before moving it.
Here are some additional tips for staying safe when using a turkey fryer:
- Thaw the turkey completely before frying.
- Use a turkey fryer that is specifically designed for outdoor use.
- Do not use a turkey fryer in windy conditions.
- Wear safety goggles and oven mitts when handling hot oil.
- Be aware of the dangers of hot oil and take precautions to avoid burns.
By following these tips, you can help prevent a turkey fryer fire and enjoy a safe and delicious Thanksgiving feast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if my turkey fryer catches fire?
A: Never attempt to put out a fire in your turkey fryer with water. Water will only spread the fire. Rather, shut off the fryer’s gas or propane supply and put out the flames with a fire extinguisher or baking soda.
Is it possible to put out a turkey fryer fire with a fire extinguisher?
A: Yes, you can use a fire extinguisher to put out a turkey fryer fire. However, it is important to use the right type of fire extinguisher. A class B dry chemical extinguisher is the best type of extinguisher to use on a grease fire.
Q: Can I use baking soda to put out a turkey fryer fire?
A: Yes, you can use baking soda to put out a turkey fryer fire. Baking soda is a good option if you do not have a fire extinguisher on hand. However, it is important to use a lot of baking soda to smother the flames.
Q: What should I do after a turkey fryer fire?
A: It’s crucial to wait for the turkey fryer to cool completely before transferring it after a fire. You should also check the fryer for any damage. If the fryer is damaged, do not use it again.
Q: How can I prevent a turkey fryer fire?
A: There are a number of things you can do to prevent a turkey fryer fire. These include using the fryer outdoors, away from buildings and flammable materials; never using the fryer in a garage or on a wooden deck; making sure the fryer is on a flat surface to avoid spilling hot oil; never leaving the fryer unattended; using a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature; and not overfilling the fryer.
Additional Resources
Turkey fryers can be a dangerous appliance if not used properly. By following the tips in this article, you can help prevent a turkey fryer fire and enjoy a safe and delicious Thanksgiving feast.