Seattle, WA – Washington fire officials are reminding residents to take extra care this Thanksgiving, saying deep-frying turkeys remains one of the top causes of cooking fires and holiday injuries across the nation.
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that Thanksgiving Day leads all holidays for home cooking fires, with more than 2,300 incidents reported each year. Newsweek data shows deep-fryer accidents cause five deaths, 60 injuries, and about $15 million in property losses annually.
The risk comes when frozen or wet turkeys are placed in oil heated to 350 degrees. The water inside vaporizes instantly, expanding 1,700 times its volume, which sends boiling oil spilling over the pot and onto flames or nearby materials, often sparking fires within seconds.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends safer cooking alternatives such as air fryers, infrared models, or store-bought fried turkeys. For those who still plan to fry, officials stress cooking outdoors on flat concrete, ensuring the turkey is fully thawed and dry, and keeping a fire extinguisher close by in case of emergency.
