Thanksgiving is the leading day for home fires involving cooking equipment, with four times the average number occurring. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an estimated 1,446 home cooking fires were reported to U.S. fire departments on Thanksgiving Day in 2023, reflecting a 388 percent increase over the daily average.
On annual average between 2019 and 2023, cooking accounted for the majority of U.S. home fires on Thanksgiving Day (80 percent) and 40 percent of the civilian injuries. Overall, cooking causes over half (52%) of all reported home fires and nearly two of every five (36%) home fire injuries, and it is a leading cause of home fire deaths (17%).
Never leave food that you are frying, boiling, grilling or broiling unattended! If you leave the kitchen, even for a short amount of time, turn off the stove.
Make sure to not overfill oil in the fryer when frying a turkey. Fill the pot you plan to use to fry the turkey with water and place the turkey in. Use the turkey fryer outdoors ONLY!
Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry before frying. Use long cooking gloves that protect hands and arms when you handle the pot!
Create a “Kid Free Zone” of at least three feet around the stove or anywhere you are preparing hot food or drinks. Keep the area around the stove clear of towels, papers, potholders, or anything that can burn.
Check your oven before preheating to ensure there are no items inside. If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you when food is ready.
If there is a fire in the oven, keep the door shut and turn off the heat. Smother small flames in a pan by sliding a lid over the pan.
If you have any doubt fighting a small fire, just get out! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency number from outside the home. Additional Fire Safety information can be found on the NFPA website or on the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal website.
