Take Thanksgiving fire safety seriously every year!
Thanksgiving is one of the most cherished holidays of the year, but it’s also a peak time for home fires—especially those caused by cooking. With a busy kitchen, guests coming and going, and the extra excitement of the holiday, it’s easy for safety to slip through the cracks. Practicing smart Thanksgiving fire safety can help keep your home, family, and celebration safe.
Why Thanksgiving Fire Safety Matters
According to a recent article by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were approximately 1,446 home fires reported on Thanksgiving day in 2023. This is a 388% increase from the daily average, showcasing just how prevalent the danger is. Unattended food, grease buildup, and crowded kitchens all contribute to the risk. Understanding fire hazards—and how to prevent them—is the best way to ensure your holiday doesn’t turn into an emergency.
Keep the Kitchen Safe
The kitchen is the center of Thanksgiving activity, which makes it the highest-risk area for fire hazards.
Never Leave Cooking Unattended
The number one cause of holiday kitchen fires is unattended cooking. Whether you’re boiling potatoes, sautéing vegetables, or roasting the turkey, stay close by, especially when using the stovetop. If you need to step away, turn the burners off or delegate the task to someone you trust.
Keep Flammable Items Away from Heat
Towels, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper goods, and food packaging should be kept at a safe distance from the stove and oven. Even a small flare-up can spread quickly if fuel sources are nearby.
Watch Out for Grease Buildup
Grease fires spread fast. Keep your stove, burners, and nearby surfaces clean, and never try to put out a grease fire with water. Instead, smother the flames with a lid or use a Class K or multipurpose extinguisher.
Avoid Overcrowding the Kitchen
Not only does crowding lead to spills and burns, but it can also delay your reaction if a fire occurs. Encourage guests and kids to relax in another area while food is being prepared.
Frying the Turkey?
Deep-fried turkey has become a Thanksgiving favorite—but fryers are one of the biggest hazards when it comes to Thanksgiving fire safety.
- Only use turkey fryers outdoors on a level surface, far from the home or deck.
- Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry before frying to avoid dangerous oil splatter.
- Keep children and pets away from the fryer zone.
- Never leave the fryer unattended—hot oil can ignite in seconds.
Check Your Smoke Alarms
Before Thanksgiving arrives, test your smoke alarms and replace batteries if needed. A working smoke alarm is your first line of defense in the event of a fire. If you have cooking-related nuisance alarms, consider installing a unit designed specifically for kitchen use.
Be Prepared With Fire Extinguishers
Make sure you have at least one easily accessible fire extinguisher rated for kitchen use. It’s important to know where your extinguisher is and whether it is still in working condition. Review the PASS method—Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep—so you’re prepared to respond quickly if the unexpected happens.
Create a Safe Space for Kids and Pets
Kids and pets are naturally drawn to the kitchen during the holidays, but keeping them at a safe distance lowers the chance of burns or accidental fires. Set up a designated “safe zone” away from the stove, oven, and hot appliances. It’s also a good idea to have adults rotate babysitting duty to keep children and pets safe and entertained while the cooking is still underway.
Mind the Decorations
Candles, table décor, and holiday lighting bring festive charm, but they also pose fire risks.
- Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything flammable.
- Never leave candles or outdoor lights on without supervision.
- Choose battery-operated alternatives to reduce hazards.
Enjoy Thanksgiving With Confidence
By following these simple Thanksgiving fire safety practices, you can enjoy a warm, memorable, and worry-free holiday with the people who matter most. A little preparation goes a long way in protecting your home and ensuring your celebration stays safe from fire hazards.
Contact Chesapeake Sprinkler Company Today!
Chesapeake Sprinkler Company was originally founded in 1978 as a small family-owned business to serve the fire protection needs of the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas. You can rely on our extensive experience, knowledge of the latest technologies, and first-class fabrication facility to meet your fire protection needs.
Chesapeake Sprinkler Company became a Century Fire Protection Company in 2022. This allowed us to further expand our resources, capacity, and skills to serve our clients. We are headquartered in Odenton, MD with an additional branch office in Ashburn, VA.
Ready to get in touch? You can call us at our Odenton location at 410-674-7041 or our Ashburn location at 703-729-5150. You can also contact us for service and maintenance as well as emergencies at 410-674-7577. Find us on social media at Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn!