Charlotte, NC – North Carolina fire officials are warning residents to think twice before deep-frying their Thanksgiving turkeys this year. While the method is quick and produces flavorful results, it’s also one of the most common causes of Thanksgiving home fires nationwide.
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that Thanksgiving Day leads the nation in home cooking fires, with more than 2,300 incidents annually. Newsweek data shows that deep-fryer mishaps result in five deaths, 60 injuries, and about $15 million in property damage each year.
Experts say frozen or partially thawed turkeys can cause violent oil eruptions. When ice meets 350-degree oil, it turns to steam and expands roughly 1,700 times its original volume, forcing boiling oil over the pot’s rim and onto burners or nearby materials.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends skipping outdoor oil fryers altogether and opting for air fryers, infrared models, or pre-fried turkeys instead. For those who still plan to fry, officials stress setting up outdoors on flat concrete, ensuring the bird is completely thawed and dry, and keeping children and pets away from the cooking area.
