Atlanta, GA – With Thanksgiving approaching, Georgia fire officials are urging families to take extra precautions if they plan to deep-fry their turkeys this year. The method, while popular across the South, remains one of the leading causes of home fires and injuries during the holiday season.
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that Thanksgiving sees more than 2,300 home cooking fires nationwide — the most of any day of the year. Newsweek adds that turkey fryer accidents cause five deaths, 60 injuries, and roughly $15 million in property damage annually.
The risk occurs when a frozen or damp turkey is lowered into oil heated to 350 degrees. The trapped water instantly turns to steam, expanding about 1,700 times its volume, and sends hot oil flying. The resulting spray can ignite instantly when it reaches open flames or nearby wood or siding.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends skipping oil-based fryers altogether and using air or infrared models instead. For those who insist on frying, officials stress doing it outdoors on flat concrete, ensuring the turkey is completely thawed, and keeping a fire extinguisher close by.
