CHICAGO – Cooking fires never take a holiday and Thanksgiving has the unique distinction of being the only day of the year with the most fires, about three times more than average. In recent years, deep-fried turkeys have been growing in popularity, but the unique flavor comes at great risk to life and property, according to the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM).
Tests performed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and many fire departments have shown that the deep fryers tend to be top-heavy and have a risk of tipping over, overheating, or spilling hot oil, leading to fires and burns. The cooking process requires that five gallons of cooking oil be superheated before lowering the turkey into the pot. When a frozen, cold or even wet turkey is submerged, bubbling hot oil spills over the pots rim and onto the burner causing an explosion. If the appliance is in or near a home, the resulting fire may be impossible to manage.
“Turkey fryer dangers are so great, even UL will not certify the appliances with their seal of approval,” said Larry Matkaitis, Illinois State Fire Marshal. “With the use of stoves, grills, and now turkey fryers, cooking continues to be the leading cause of U.S. home fires and fire injuries.”
• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, dont use the stove or stovetop. • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. • If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking. • Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.
• You have only a few moments to either put out a grease fire or escape. • Grease fires can be smothered with baking soda, but it takes a lot of baking soda to do the trick. Unless the baking soda is easily accessible, its usually easier to quickly find a lid. • A dry chemical fire extinguisher will also work, but it will contaminate your kitchen and food. Class K fire extinguishers are available to put out grease and other kitchen fires, but they are usually only found in commercial kitchens. • Keep a non-glass lid nearby when cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave pan covered until it has cooled. • If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out. • DO NOT PUT WATER ON A GREASE FIRE! Pouring water on burning grease or oil will not extinguish the fire. Burning oil will splash, spreading the grease fire over a larger area. • Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. • If covering the fire doesnt work, get out a quickly as possible and close the door behind you to help contain the fire. • For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. • If clothes are caught on fire; STOP, DROP, and ROLL to extinguish them. • Treat any burns only after the fire is contained or the building is completely evacuated. Call for paramedics for serious burns.
For more information about fire safety and prevention, please visit www.state.il.us/osfm or www.nfpa.org.
As Thanksgiving approaches, many people look forward to cooking up a delicious deep-fried turkey. While frying a turkey can lead to a moist, flavorful bird, it does come with some safety concerns. Most notably, turkey fryer fires. A turkey fryer uses a large quantity of hot oil, which can easily catch fire and cause severe burns or property damage if not handled properly. This article will explain how to prevent and extinguish a turkey fryer fire, plus other vital safety tips for deep frying a turkey.
What Causes Turkey Fryer Fires
There are a few key reasons why turkey fryer fires commonly occur
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Overfilling the Fryer: Adding too much oil to the fryer is one of the most frequent causes of fires and spillovers. Even a couple extra inches of oil can cause it to spill out when the turkey is lowered in. Always test the oil amount ahead of time by placing the turkey in an empty fryer and filling with water up to 1-2 inches from the top.
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Frozen or Partially Frozen Turkey Lowering a frozen or partly frozen turkey into the hot oil will immediately cause dangerous splattering Only fry a fully thawed and dry turkey
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Overheating: Many fryers lack thermostat controls, allowing the oil to overheat past its smoke point. Invest in a fryer with temperature regulation or use a clip-on deep fry thermometer. Ideal frying temperature is 325-375°F.
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Tip Overs: Fryers can easily tip over, spilling hot oil onto decks or grass and igniting materials. Place on a flat, level, noncombustible surface away from homes, garages, wooden decks, etc.
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Leaving It Unattended: The fryer should never be left alone while turned on, as the oil can overheat or bubble over quickly. Stay within arm’s reach at all times.
How to Extinguish a Turkey Fryer Fire
If a fire does occur, follow these crucial steps:
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Do Not Throw Water: Unlike other types of fires, pouring water onto a grease or oil fire is extremely hazardous. The water will instantly evaporate into steam, spreading the flames and oil further.
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Turn Off Gas: (if using propane) Quickly turn off the gas cylinder valve or propane tank to cut the fuel supply to the fire.
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Use Baking Soda: For small flare ups, having baking soda on hand to sprinkle over the flames can help suppress them. The soda reacts with the oil to form carbon dioxide which smothers the fire.
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Cover the Fryer: If safe to reach, place a metal lid over the fryer vat. This chokes the fire of oxygen supply. Do not remove the lid until completely cooled.
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Use a Fire Extinguisher: Keep a class B dry chemical fire extinguisher within reach. [Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames, and discharge in short bursts while sweeping side to side. Most home extinguishers are multipurpose dry chemical, suitable for oil/grease fires.]
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Call 911: For fires that cannot be safely contained, evacuate and call the fire department immediately. Do not attempt to move a flaming fryer yourself.
Turkey Fryer Safety Tips
Follow these crucial precautions for safe deep frying:
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Cook outdoors only, at least 10 feet away from buildings/trees. Do not use under garage overhangs.
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Place fryer on a flat, level, noncombustible surface like concrete or dirt. Never use on wooden or plastic decks.
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Do not overfill the pot with oil. Allow 2-3 inches headspace.
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Use potholders and oven mitts – sides of pot get extremely hot.
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Do not move the fryer once oil is added and hot.
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Do not leave the fryer unattended while lit – stay within arm’s reach.
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Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away at all times.
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Let oil cool fully before filtering or discarding it. Reusing oil also increases fire risks.
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Consider using an electric turkey fryer. These contain the same risks but avoid open flames.
Finally, never throw a frozen or partially frozen turkey into a hot fryer! This is the surest way to cause dangerous splattering, burns, and potential fires. Only fry turkeys that are fully thawed and dry on the outside. For optimal safety and ease, you may want to reconsider deep frying altogether and opt for roasting your turkey in the oven. But if you do decide to deep fry, exercise extreme caution. Have a fire extinguisher, baking soda, and lid nearby in case of flare ups. Follow all preparation and usage instructions carefully. And above all else, never leave the fryer unattended once the oil is hot. Happy and safe Thanksgiving cooking!
Turkey Fryer Fire
FAQ
How to put out a deep fryer fire?
What type of fire extinguisher is best for a turkey fryer?
What causes a turkey fryer to catch fire?
How do you keep a Turkey from burning in a fryer?
Never let children near the fryer, even when it’s not in use. Never leave the fryer unattended. Do not overfill the fryer. Use safety goggles to protect your eyes and always use pot holders or oven mitts when handling the fryer. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed. Keep a fire extinguisher near the fryer.
How do you use a turkey fryer?
Make sure your turkey fryer is on a sturdy, level surface and do not move it once it is in use. Make sure it is at least 10 feet from your home and not under roof eaves. Test the amount of oil you need by filling your fryer with water. Place the turkey in the pot making sure the water doesn’t get too close to the top.
What should I do if my turkey fryer is leaking oil?
Have a fire extinguisher ready: Always have a fire extinguisher on standby in the event the oil ignites, and call 911 immediately. The extinguisher should be dry powder, multi-purpose, and approved for grease fires. Avoid putting too much oil in the fryer: Any extra water will make the bubbling oil spill over once you lower the turkey in.
What should I do if my Turkey is frying?
Regularly monitor the oil temperature: While the turkey is frying, be careful when you touch any part of the fryer, as the lid and handle may be extremely hot. Keep in mind, most fryers don’t have their own thermostat, so you will need to use your own to monitor the oil temperature.