Chicago, IL – As Thanksgiving approaches this week, fire officials across Illinois are urging residents to use extra caution with turkey fryers—one of the leading causes of holiday cooking fires. The National Fire Protection Association reports an average of five deaths, 60 injuries, and more than $15 million in property damage annually linked to turkey fryer accidents.
According to guidance shared by the Channahon Fire Protection District, turkey fryers can tip over easily, spilling hot oil on people and nearby surfaces. Officials say fryers should only be used outdoors on a sturdy, level area and kept far from buildings, children, pets, leaves, and anything flammable.
Overfilled pots are another major hazard. According to fire officials, placing a turkey into an overfilled fryer can cause oil to spill over and ignite. They recommend determining the correct amount of oil by placing the turkey in the pot with water beforehand to gauge volume.
A partially frozen turkey can also trigger violent splattering. Fire departments stress that birds must be completely thawed before frying. In addition, fryers can overheat quickly if left unattended. Crews advise using a cooking thermometer and monitoring temperatures closely.
The pot, lid, and handles reach extreme temperatures during cooking, posing serious burn risks. Firefighters recommend wearing flame-retardant clothing, gloves, and eye protection when handling fryers.
Residents are urged to review official safety videos and guidelines before preparing their holiday meals.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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