Phoenix, AZ – Arizona fire officials are warning residents to take extra caution this Thanksgiving as deep-frying turkeys continues to cause fires, injuries, and thousands in property damage across the country each year.
The U.S. Fire Administration reports Thanksgiving Day as the most fire-prone day of the year, with more than 2,300 home cooking fires annually. Newsweek data shows deep-fryer accidents cause five deaths, 60 injuries, and $15 million in property damage every year.
The risk comes when frozen or wet turkeys are placed in oil heated to 350 degrees. The trapped moisture instantly turns into steam, expanding 1,700 times its volume, propelling boiling oil from the pot and igniting when it touches open flames or hot surfaces.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends using air fryers, infrared cookers, or store-bought fried turkeys instead of traditional outdoor fryers. For those who still plan to fry, safety officials stress cooking outside on level concrete, ensuring the turkey is completely thawed and dry, and keeping a fire extinguisher within reach.
