Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home cooking fires, and the Pasadena Fire Department is encouraging residents to make safety part of their holiday traditions.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 1,446 home cooking fires were reported to U.S. fire departments on Thanksgiving Day in 2023, a 388 percent increase over a typical day.
From roasting turkeys to simmering sauces, kitchen activity spikes during the holiday, and so does the risk. Turkey-related fires, especially when deep-frying, continue to be a major cause of emergencies. Keeping the kitchen safe and staying alert can help ensure celebrations don’t end with a 9-1-1 call.
Thanksgiving Safety Tips:
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stove top. If you need to step away, even briefly, turn off the burner.
- Stay inside the home when roasting your turkey and check on it frequently.
- If deep-frying a turkey, do it outdoors on level ground, far from structures, and make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry to prevent flare-ups.
- Set timers to stay on top of food cooking on the stove or in the oven.
- Never store combustibles in the oven. Use proper storage areas and inspect the oven interior before every use.
- Create a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared.
- Keep walkways and floors clear of toys, bags, and other tripping hazards.
- Never use water on a grease fire. Turn off the heat, cover the flames with a lid or baking sheet, or use a fire extinguisher.
- Test your smoke alarms before the holiday and make sure they are working.
- Keep a Class ABC fire extinguisher nearby, and make sure you know how to use it.
If a fire does start, act quickly and call 9-1-1.
The Pasadena Fire Department wishes you and your loved ones a safe and joyful Thanksgiving.
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