Jackson, MS – Mississippi fire officials are reminding families to use caution this Thanksgiving, saying deep-frying a turkey may sound delicious — but it’s also one of the most dangerous holiday cooking methods if done incorrectly.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, with more than 2,300 reported incidents each year. Newsweek reports that deep-fryer accidents lead to five deaths, 60 injuries, and around $15 million in property damage annually.
The hazard occurs when cooks drop a frozen or partially thawed bird into 350-degree oil. The ice instantly turns to steam, expanding roughly 1,700 times in volume, which sends scalding oil over the fryer’s edge and into nearby flames or structures.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends skipping traditional oil fryers altogether and opting for air fryers, electric models, or professionally fried turkeys instead. Those who insist on frying should cook outdoors on flat concrete, ensure turkeys are fully thawed and dry, and never leave fryers unattended.
