Lombard, IL – As Thanksgiving approaches, the Lombard Fire Department is reminding residents that turkey fryers are one of the leading causes of home cooking fires during the holiday season. Officials are urging residents to take extra precautions if planning to deep-fry their holiday bird.
According to the department, turkey fryers can easily tip over or overheat, spilling hot oil that can cause severe burns or start fires. Firefighters recommend setting up fryers outdoors on a flat, sturdy surface, and maintaining at least a three-foot “kid and pet-free zone” around the equipment.
They also warn against overfilling the cooking pot or using a partially frozen turkey, which can cause hot oil to splatter dangerously. Residents are encouraged to check oil temperature regularly with a thermometer to prevent overheating.
Additionally, the fire department advises wearing long cooking gloves that protect hands and arms from burns and handling the fryer lid and pot with caution, as metal surfaces can become dangerously hot.
For a complete list of safety tips, visit the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s website at sfm.illinois.gov.
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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