As people begin preparing their Thanksgiving meals, it is important to have a plan and think ahead. While the holiday is a time for family and food, it is also one of the busiest days of the year for home cooking fires.  

According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments respond to nearly 1,500 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day. That is a 388 percent increase over the daily average. 

The Clayton Fire Department shared one of the riskiest cooking methods is deep-frying a turkey. Fryers use large amounts of hot oil, which can lead to serious burns, injuries, and property damage if not handled carefully.  

To help keep your Thanksgiving safe, be sure to follow these fire prevention tips: 

• Thaw your turkey completely before frying. A fully frozen bird dropped into hot oil can cause splattering and fires.Allowabout 24 hours of thawing time in the refrigerator for everyfourtofivepounds of turkey.
• Set up the fryer outdoors on a flat, stable surface. Keep it at least10feet away from buildings, trees, decks, and other flammable materials. This reduces the risk of fire spreading if the oil ignites.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the fryer at all times. Curious pets or kids may accidentally knock it over, and hot oil can cause severe burns.
• Never leave the fryer unattended. Hot oil can overheat in minutes, creating a serious fire hazard. Stay nearby andmonitorit throughout the cooking process.
• Monitor the oil temperature with a thermometer tomake sureit stays between325- and 350-degreesFahrenheit. Overheated oil can ignite while underheated oil can result in uneven cooking.
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it. A Class B extinguisher is best for grease fires. Remember,never pour water on hot oil.

“Thanksgiving should be about gathering with family and friends, not responding to a preventable fire,” said Captain Bryan Belvin, Community Risk Reduction Specialist. “Taking the time to plan ahead, respect the equipment, and stay aware of potential hazards can protect your home and loved ones. Safety is something everyone can do, and it makes all the difference.” 

To demonstrate just how quickly a fryer can become dangerous, the Clayton Fire Marshal’s Division recently conducted a live demonstration. The video highlights the speed and intensity of potential hazards, showing why careful preparation and attention are essential. Watching this demonstration gives a clear example of what can go wrong and how simple precautions can keep your Thanksgiving safe.