Oklahoma City, OK – Oklahoma fire officials are warning residents ahead of Thanksgiving that deep-frying turkeys — a favorite Southern cooking method — can quickly lead to fires, burns, and costly home damage if not done safely.
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that Thanksgiving Day leads all U.S. holidays for home cooking fires, with more than 2,300 incidents reported annually. Newsweek data shows deep-fryer mishaps cause five deaths, 60 injuries, and $15 million in property losses each year.
Officials explain that frozen or damp turkeys placed into oil heated to 350 degrees can trigger explosive reactions. The moisture turns into steam, expanding 1,700 times its original volume, and launches boiling oil from the pot — often igniting when it contacts open flames or nearby materials.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends air fryers, infrared models, or store-bought fried turkeys as safer alternatives. For those who still plan to fry, experts urge residents to cook outdoors on level concrete, ensure turkeys are completely thawed and dried, and keep a fire extinguisher close by at all times.
