Thanksgiving Turkey Cooking Safety

With Thanksgiving approaching, the Fire Department is urging residents to prioritize safety while preparing their holiday meals, especially when frying or cooking turkeys. The warning comes as the National Fire Protection Association reports nearly 1,000 turkey-related fires annually in the U.S., resulting in over $15 million in damages.

Roy Lerma of the Brownsville Fire Department emphasized that most turkey fire incidents are preventable with proper equipment and precautions.

“One of the most common problems is frying a turkey that isn’t completely thawed,” Lerma explained. “Placing a frozen turkey into hot oil causes it to overspill, which can ignite the oil on the open flame. Another issue is overfilling the pot with too much oil.”

Lerma suggested a simple method to determine the correct oil level:

“You can put water in the pot first, then dip the turkey to check for overflow. Once you remove the turkey, you’ll know the exact oil level needed.”

Kitchen fires aren’t limited to turkey fryers. Lerma noted that unattended cooking, particularly leaving turkeys in the oven too long, is another leading cause of Thanksgiving fires.

“People often get distracted with other tasks or leave home, forgetting they’ve left the stove on,” Lerma said. “This can cause grease fires or other dangerous situations.”

To avoid accidents, the fire department advises:

Set a Timer: Prevent overheating by setting timers and closely monitoring cooking progress.

Proper Oil Levels: Do not overfill the fryer with oil to avoid spills that could ignite.

Protective Gear: Use oven mitts and safety goggles to protect against burns and splashes.

Have a Fire Extinguisher Ready: Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies.

By following these guidelines, residents can enjoy a safe and delicious Thanksgiving meal. For more information, the Brownsville Fire Department encourages residents to reach out with any questions or concerns.