Springfield, IL –With Thanksgiving just days away, Illinois fire officials are warning families to take extra precautions in the kitchen, citing new national data showing a dramatic spike in cooking-related fires on the holiday.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1,446 home cooking fires were reported to U.S. fire departments on Thanksgiving Day in 2023—a 388% increase over the daily average.
Between 2019 and 2023, cooking accounted for 80% of all Thanksgiving home fires and 40% of related civilian injuries. NFPA notes that cooking remains the leading cause of home fires nationwide, responsible for over half (52%) of all reported incidents.
“Kitchens are especially busy during the holidays, and that rush can lead to distractions,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow. “Set timers, stay focused, or assign specific roles in the kitchen to help ensure your Thanksgiving meal comes together safely.”
Chicago Deputy Fire Commissioner Brandon Keller emphasized the dangers surrounding turkey fryers, citing hot oil and unstable equipment as major hazards. “If you choose to fry a turkey this year, do so outside, away from anything that can burn, and make sure the turkey is completely thawed,” Keller said.
The American Burn Association reports nearly 500,000 Americans seek treatment for burn injuries each year, with 72% occurring at home. Holiday cooking, hot liquids, and distractions contribute significantly to seasonal burn injuries.
Philip Zaleski, executive director of Camp I Am Me by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, urged families to prioritize prevention. “A few extra minutes of preparation and safety can prevent a lifetime of pain,” he said.
Officials shared several key safety reminders: never leave cooking food unattended, create a three-foot “kid-free zone” near stoves and hot surfaces, keep flammable items away from burners, check ovens before preheating, and call 911 immediately if a fire becomes unmanageable.
More safety information can be found on the NFPA and Illinois State Fire Marshal websites.
