LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The Thanksgiving holiday brings families together around elaborate meals, but it also creates conditions that significantly increase fire risks in homes across the country.
National Fire Protection Association data shows more than 1,400 house fires originated in kitchens during the 2023 Thanksgiving period, making it one of the most dangerous times of year for residential blazes.
Derek Delgado with Lubbock Fire Rescue says the problem often isn’t equipment failure, but rather the chaos that comes with holiday celebrations.
“One of the leading causes of residential structure fires is cooking fires,” Delgado said. “One of the root causes in that is unattended cooking, you have something on the stove, you have something maybe in the oven and you get distracted.”
Those distractions can come from anywhere during Thanksgiving — watching football games, enjoying parades, or managing a kitchen filled with family members all trying to help with meal preparation.
Delgado emphasizes that leaving cooking food unattended, even briefly, creates serious fire hazards.
Turkey frying presents particular risks during the holiday season. Delgado offers specific guidance for those planning to use large frying equipment.
“Make sure you properly thaw out your turkey, making sure you use the right amount of oil in the pot before you throw the turkey in there or lay the turkey in there and also making sure you have some kind of extinguisher nearby,” he said.
Lubbock Fire Rescue recommends conducting turkey frying operations outside and at least 10 feet away from any structures. They also advise keeping oven mitts, towels, and other flammable materials away from cooking surfaces.
The holiday period provides an ideal opportunity to test smoke alarms before the busiest cooking day of the year arrives.
“Having a fire extinguisher on hand to try to extinguish or contain a fire in the event you do have one,” Delgado said. “We do work 365 days a year that’s our whole job if you do have an emergency some type of fire in the oven, outside while you’re frying a turkey call 911 that’s the best thing you can do.”
Taking preventive measures now can ensure holiday celebrations remain joyful rather than turning into emergencies that affect entire neighborhoods.
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