Thanksgiving is leading day of year for cooking fires

(SOUTHEAST INDIANA) – Local firefighters are reminding families of safe cooking habits during the Thanksgiving holiday. 

Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home cooking fires, with more than three times the daily average, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

“During the holidays, the kitchen becomes the heart of the home—and one of the highest-risk  areas for fire,” said Cincinnati Fire Chief Frank McKinley. “Staying mindful of fire safety ensures that the  celebrations stay joyful and your home stays protected.”

Firefighters say distracted cooking is what leads to many of the fires. 

Here are tips firefighters are providing:

Stay in the kitchen. 

Unattended cooking is the number one cause of kitchen fires. If you need to step away—even  for a moment—turn the stove off. 

Keep a kid-free and pet-free zone. 

Create a three-foot buffer around hot surfaces, appliances, and sharp utensils. Children and  pets move quickly; this small zone helps prevent burns and spills. 

Clear the area around the stove. 

Keep anything that can catch fire—towels, food packaging, oven mitts, wooden utensils— away from burners.

Use timers and reminders. 

With multiple dishes cooking at once, timers help prevent overcooking and allow you to keep  track of what’s on the stove or in the oven. 

Ensure proper turkey fryer safety. 

If using a turkey fryer, operate it outdoors on a flat surface, away from buildings, decks, and  garages. Never use a fryer inside the home or on wooden structures. Make sure the turkey is  completely thawed and dry before frying to prevent oil flare-ups. 

Have working smoke alarms. 

Test smoke alarms before the holiday and ensure they have working batteries. This small step  provides early warning in case of smoke or fire.

Keep a lid or sheet pan nearby. 

If a small grease fire starts on the stove, sliding a lid or sheet pan over the flames can smother  the fire. Never use water on a grease fire. 

Reminders Before Guests Arrive 

• Make sure paths to exits are clear. 

• Keep matches and lighters stored securely. 

• Confirm that everyone in the home knows how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency. • If a fire starts and is spreading or you feel unsafe—get out immediately and call 9-1-1  from outside.