Detroit, MI – Michigan fire officials are warning residents that deep-frying frozen turkeys remains one of the most dangerous holiday cooking methods, often resulting in fires, injuries, and costly property losses each Thanksgiving.
The U.S. Fire Administration reports Thanksgiving Day is the top day for home cooking fires in the United States, with more than 2,300 incidents annually. Newsweek data shows deep-fryer accidents lead to five deaths, 60 injuries, and roughly $15 million in property damage each year.
The risk arises when frozen or wet turkeys are submerged in oil heated to 350 degrees. The moisture turns to steam, expanding 1,700 times in volume, propelling hot oil from the fryer and igniting fires when it reaches open flames or nearby combustible surfaces.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends skipping outdoor oil fryers in favor of air fryers, infrared models, or store-bought fried turkeys. For those who still plan to fry, officials stress setting up outdoors on flat concrete, keeping children and pets away, and ensuring the turkey is fully thawed and dry before cooking.
