Philadelphia, PA – With Thanksgiving around the corner, Pennsylvania fire officials are warning residents to take extra precautions when preparing their holiday meals, especially if deep-frying a turkey. The popular cooking method continues to cause fires, burns, and property losses each November.
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that Thanksgiving Day sees more than 2,300 home cooking fires annually — the most of any day of the year. Newsweek data shows that deep-fryer accidents alone lead to five deaths, 60 injuries, and $15 million in damages nationwide each year.
The problem occurs when frozen or damp turkeys are placed into oil heated to 350 degrees. The trapped moisture rapidly converts to steam, expanding about 1,700 times in volume, and forcing boiling oil over the pot’s edge, often igniting on nearby flames or surfaces.
The National Fire Protection Association advises using air fryers, infrared cookers, or pre-fried turkeys instead of traditional oil fryers. For those who insist on frying, officials recommend cooking outdoors on level concrete, ensuring turkeys are completely thawed and dry, and keeping a fire extinguisher within reach.
