State Fire Marshal Provides Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips: Avoid Cooking Disasters This Holiday

Photo Credit: Getty Images Signature While Thanksgiving is known as the one holiday that families get together, it also has a more dubious and unfortunate distinction as the holiday for cooking-related house fires.& According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), on Turkey Day, incidents skyrocketed to four times the daily average. In 2022 alone, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,610 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day—a staggering 399 percent increase compared to an average day.& Cooking remains the leading cause of home fires, responsible for over half (52%) of reported incidents, nearly two in five injuries (36%), and 17% of home fire deaths. Most of these fires involve ranges and cooktops, which account for nearly 60% of cooking-related blazes, while ovens contribute another 13%. The popularity of people frying turkeys at home has undoubtedly contributed to this surge. “Kitchens are the heart and soul of many homes, and that is even more true during Thanksgiving,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera. “Things can get hectic as people scramble to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner. Please, set timers to help remind yourself of items that are cooking and make sure you are establishing kid and pet free...