Columbia, SC – Fire officials in South Carolina are warning that deep-frying a turkey — one of the South’s most beloved Thanksgiving traditions — can quickly turn dangerous if done incorrectly.
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that Thanksgiving is the nation’s leading day for home cooking fires, with more than 2,300 incidents each year. Newsweek data shows that deep-fryer mishaps cause five deaths, 60 injuries, and $15 million in property losses annually.
The hazard comes down to simple chemistry. When a frozen or even damp turkey is dropped into oil heated to 350 degrees, the ice rapidly converts to steam — expanding about 1,700 times its original volume. That sudden burst forces oil to overflow the pot, often catching fire when it reaches an open flame or hot surface.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends avoiding traditional oil fryers altogether and opting for air fryers, infrared models, or store-bought fried turkeys instead. For those who insist on frying, officials advise setting up fryers outside on flat concrete, keeping children and pets away, and never leaving hot oil unattended.
