Thanksgiving and Fire Hazards
As millions of Americans prepare to gather for Thanksgiving, the National Fire Protection Association has a warning. Thanksgiving is the most common day for house fires. In fact, you’re more likely to experience a fire on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year, according to some news reports. The holiday's fast-paced nature—juggling multiple dishes in the kitchen while entertaining guests and handling distractions—can easily lead to dangerous situations.
In 2021 alone, fire departments responded to over 1,160 cooking fires on Thanksgiving, nearly three times the daily average. Tragically, an average of three people lose their lives each year due to Thanksgiving-related fires, with cooking mishaps responsible for over 73% of them. Unattended cooking is a leading cause—and it’s preventable.
One of the biggest risks is deep-fried turkeys. These are notorious fire hazards due to the large quantities of cooking oil involved, a highly combustible substance. Gas-fueled outdoor fryers can tip over easily, causing oil spills and dangerous fires. They lack thermostat controls, so they can overheat, and their handles and lids can become dangerously hot. Snow or rain falling on the unit can turn water into scalding steam. Most notably, Underwriters Laboratories, which certifies safe products, does not certify these types of fryers.
To keep your holiday safe, consider these essential safety tips:
- Never leave the kitchen unattended while cooking.
- Use timers to keep track of items in the oven.
- Keep flammable objects—like oven mitts and dish towels—away from cooking surfaces.
- Avoid wearing loose clothing, which can catch fire.
- Keep a lid handy to smother grease fires.
- If an oven fire starts, keep the door closed and turn off the heat.
- Ensure children and pets stay away from the stove.
- Consider air-frying your turkey instead of deep-frying in hot oil.
Sometimes fires happen by accident; in some cases, they are due to negligence or product failure. If you would like to discuss such an accident with a top Philadelphia explosions and burn injury attorney, please contact us. We are here to help.