An estimated 1,446 home cooking fires were reported to U.S. fire departments on Thanksgiving Day in 2023, reflecting a 388 percent increase over the daily average, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Christmas Day and Christmas Eve ranked as the second- and third-leading days of the year for home cooking fires.
“Thanksgiving is a hectic holiday with multiple dishes cooking and baking at the same time, and along with guests, entertaining, and other distractions, it can be easy to lose sight of what’s on the stove or in the oven,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “With all these factors at play, it’s no surprise that we consistently see a dramatic spike in home cooking fires on Thanksgiving.”
On annual average between 2019 and 2023, cooking accounted for the majority of U.S. home fires on Thanksgiving Day (80 percent) and 40 percent of the civilian injuries; no civilian deaths were reported. Overall, cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home fires and injuries and the second-leading cause of home fire deaths. Unattended cooking is the leading contributing factor in home cooking fires and fire deaths.
"Keeping a close eye on what's cooking and minimizing the likelihood of getting distracted can greatly reduce the risk of cooking fires," said Carli. "As simple as these preventative measures may sound, they truly can help ensure that everyone enjoys a festive, fire-free holiday."
Following are additional tips and recommendations from NFPA to help everyone cook safely on Thanksgiving:
- Never leave the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop. Some types of cooking, especially those that involve frying or sautéing with oil, need continuous attention.
- When cooking a turkey, remain at home and check it regularly.
- Make use of timers to keep track of cooking times, particularly for foods that require longer cook times.
- Keep things that can catch fire like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers, and towels at least three feet away from the cooking area.
- Avoid long sleeves and hanging fabrics that can come in contact with a heat source.
- Always cook with a lid beside your pan. If a small grease fire starts, smother the flames by sliding the lid over the pan, then turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Only open the door once you’re confident the fire is completely out, standing to the side as you do. If you have any doubts or concerns, contact the fire department for assistance.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried. Hot foods and liquids should be placed away from table and counter edges.
In addition, NFPA strongly discourages the use of turkey fryers that use cooking oil, which can cause devastating burns. For a safe alternative, NFPA recommends purchasing a fried turkey from a grocery store or restaurant or buying a fryer that does not use oil.
Ramp closures announced for driving home from Indy 500
Fundraiser underway to expand Dana's Ernie Pyle World War II Museum.
Parke County Commissioners take action against data centers
Make water safety a priority
USPS proposes maintenance, repairs during Mailbox Improvement Week
Indiana BMV branches closed for holiday weekend
BioHeartland launches as the new identity for Indiana’s bioscience ecosystem
Vermillion County receives OCRA grant for home rehabilitation program
More rain, wind, storms possible Tuesday
"Improving Outcomes, Together" theme for National EMS Week
Candidates can begin filing for school board elections on Tuesday
Indiana Natural Resources Commission to hold public hearing for bobcat rule changes
Single-lane closures to impact State Road 63 near Cayuga
Duke Energy breaks ground on Cayuga Energy Complex project
Miller, Vincent lead Parke Heritage Class of 2026
May 15 is National Peace Officers Memorial Day
