Boston, MA – As Thanksgiving approaches, fire officials across Massachusetts are urging caution for anyone planning to deep-fry their holiday bird. The popular cooking shortcut, while known for crispy results, is also one of the leading causes of home fires each November.
According to Newsweek and federal safety data, deep-fryer accidents lead to an average of five deaths, 60 injuries, and more than $15 million in property damage every year. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that cooking remains the top cause of Thanksgiving fires, with more than 2,300 incidents annually.
The science behind the danger is simple: when a frozen or even slightly icy turkey is lowered into 350-degree oil, the water inside instantly turns to steam, expanding up to 1,700 times its volume. That pressure explosion sends boiling oil out of the fryer and often straight into open flames or nearby materials.
The National Fire Protection Association strongly discourages using traditional oil fryers, suggesting air fryers, infrared models, or pre-fried turkeys instead. If frying outdoors, officials stress keeping the fryer away from walls and wooden decks, using a fully thawed bird, and never leaving hot oil unattended.
