Nashville, TN – Tennessee fire officials are reminding residents to stay safe this Thanksgiving, saying deep-frying frozen turkeys remains one of the most dangerous cooking mistakes people make during the holiday season.
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that Thanksgiving Day sees more than 2,300 home cooking fires each year, making it the most fire-prone day in the U.S. Newsweek data shows that deep-fryer accidents cause five deaths, 60 injuries, and around $15 million in property damage annually.
The risk occurs when frozen or wet turkeys are dropped into oil heated to 350 degrees. The moisture turns instantly to steam, expanding 1,700 times its volume, forcing boiling oil out of the pot and onto flames or nearby materials. Fires can erupt in seconds, spreading rapidly.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends air fryers, infrared cookers, or store-bought fried turkeys as safer options. For those who still plan to fry, officials urge residents to cook outdoors on level concrete, ensure the turkey is completely thawed and dried, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.
