Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and gratitude—but it’s also the leading day of the year for home fires in the United States. Most fires begin in the kitchen, where busy cooks juggle multiple dishes, guests, and distractions. As homes fill with warmth, food, and celebration, the combination of cooking, heating, and decorative hazards creates a perfect storm for potential fire emergencies. Understanding these risks—and taking simple preventive measures—can make the difference between a joyful holiday and a devastating one.
Many homes in Northeast Indiana are relatively old, particularly in counties such as Blackford, Jay, and Huntington. Houses built in the mid-20th century or earlier often carry a higher fire risk due to outdated electrical systems and construction materials that are more combustible and less safe by today’s standards. Modern homes benefit from improved fire-resistant features, such as fire-rated drywall and safer electrical components. Still, these fire safety precautions are essential for every household, regardless of a property’s age.
Common Causes of Fires on Thanksgiving Day
On Thanksgiving, there are a lot of moving parts, many of which can pose serious fire risks. Some of the biggest offenders include the following.
Turkey Fryers
At the top of the list is one of the most dangerous consumer cooking devices: turkey fryers. Deep fryers, especially turkey fryers, have the highest rate of fire-related injuries out of all cooking equipment. Fire safety experts such as the NFPA strongly discourage the use of turkey fryers that use cooking oil, which can cause devastating burns, fires, and even explosions.
For a safer alternative, purchase a fryer that does not use oil, such as an electric or air fryer, or purchasing a fried turkey from a grocery store or restaurant. If you must use a turkey fryer, proceed with extreme caution and follow the appliance instructions carefully.
Stovetops & Ranges
Ranges and cooktops are responsible for many cooking-related fires. Interestingly, electric ranges are more likely to cause fires than gas ranges. It can be less obvious when an electric burner is turned on, and electric burners also take longer to cool after being turned off.
Review the following tips to reduce the risk of stove-related fires:
- Stay in the kitchen. Never leave cooking food unattended, especially when frying, grilling, or sautéing with oil. If you leave the kitchen, turn off the burner.
- Watch what you cook. Fires start when heat is too high—if you see smoke or oil beginning to boil, turn off the burner immediately.
- Use oil with care. Avoid using excess oil and never overfill pans. Oil, fat, and grease are the leading materials ignited in home cooking fires.
- Don’t cook while impaired. Avoid using the stove if you’re drowsy, tired, or have consumed alcohol.
- Set a timer. Use a timer to track cooking times and check food frequently, especially for longer recipes.
- Keep clothing secure. Tie back long hair, remove dangling jewelry, and avoid loose sleeves that can catch fire.
- Clear the area. Keep the stovetop and nearby counters free of items like oven mitts, utensils, packaging, and spills that can ignite.
- Keep a lid nearby. Have a metal lid or baking sheet ready to smother small flames by covering the pan.
- Turn handles inward. Point pot handles toward the back of the stove to prevent accidental spills and burns and use back burners when possible.
Ovens
At Thanksgiving, the fire risk from ovens increases markedly due to longer cook times, crowded kitchen use, multi-dish preparation, and a tendency to multitask. Ovens can start fires internally with the ignition of cooking fats or externally when nearby towels, packaging, or potholders overheat. Most cooking fire injuries and deaths occur when cooking equipment is left unattended or when combustible items are too close to heat sources.
- Do not leave your home while the oven is on. Unattended equipment is the leading factor in home cooking fires and deaths.
- Use a sheet pan to catch drippings. These can ignite on the heating elements below the oven racks. Avoid using too much oil or fat while cooking. Oil, fat and grease are the materials most frequently ignited in residential cooking fires.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Only open the door once you’re confident the fire is completely out, standing to the side as you do. If you have any doubts or concerns, contact the fire department for assistance.
Food Warmers
Even though they cause relatively fewer fires than other equipment, food warmers and hot plates can be dangerous due to homeowners leaving them unattended (especially overnight) or forgetting that they turned them on.
Heaters
Although cooking remains the primary cause of home fires on Thanksgiving Day, heating equipment still contributes to many residential fires reported on Thanksgiving nationwide. Space heaters can cause fires due to combustible materials being located too close to the heating elements. To be safe, keep a three-foot clear zone around the heaters and put them in a location with low foot traffic.
Candles
Candles around Thanksgiving are a surprisingly high cause for home fires. Over half of candle fires are caused by the candle being placed too close to flammable décor, such as furniture, curtains, or home decorations. To keep your home safe use flameless alternatives where possible, otherwise, place candles on sturdy surfaces, keep safe distances from flammable materials, and never leave candles unattended.
Prepare for Thanksgiving Day to reduce fire risk
Check your smoke alarms
Cooking fires are far more deadly in homes without smoke alarms or with alarms that don’t go off when they should. Before Thanksgiving festivities begin, test your smoke alarm and ensure that it has new batteries.
Prepare fire safety equipment
Ensure your kitchen is equipped with a fire extinguisher and/or a fire blanket. Make sure everyone in the home knows where to find them and how to use them. Also consider buying flame-resistant (not just heat-resistant) oven mitts or potholders. These not only resist catching on fire if exposed to open flames or heating elements, but they can also be used to smother a small fire in a pinch.
Clean cooking equipment and surfaces
Failure to properly clean cooking equipment is a contributing factor to many cooking fires. Clean grease and cooked-on food from ovens, stovetops, and other appliances.
What To Do If A Fire Starts
Even with the best precautions, fires can still happen, especially during busy holidays like Thanksgiving. Trying to fight a fire without proper preparation or equipment can lead to injuries in the home. Knowing what actions to take and when to step back and call for help can save lives and prevent further damage.
Grease Fires
If a small grease fire starts on the stovetop, carefully smother the flames by sliding a metal lid or baking sheet over the pan, then turn off the burner. Keep the lid in place until the pan has completely cooled; removing it too soon can allow the fire to reignite. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire, as it can cause the burning oil to splatter and spread the flames to surrounding surfaces and people. A fire blanket can also be effective for smothering small stovetop fires or other contained flames.
Oven Fires
If a fire starts inside the oven, immediately turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed to cut off the fire’s oxygen supply. Do not open the door until you are certain the fire is completely out, and when you do, stand to the side in case of smoke or flare-ups. If the fire does not go out quickly or you are unsure of your safety, evacuate the home and call the fire department right away.
Other Fires
If a fire starts in a turkey fryer, never attempt to move the equipment while it is on fire. Instead, turn off the fuel source immediately if it can be done safely. Do not use water to douse the flames, as it will cause hot oil to splatter and spread the fire.
If a turkey fryer catches fire and you cannot control it with an extinguisher, get everyone away from the area and call 911. Keep a safe distance from the fryer until firefighters arrive.
Using a Fire Extinguisher
For small, contained fires—such as those limited to a pan, trash can, or single appliance—use a fire extinguisher only if you can do so safely. Make sure you understand the labels on your fire extinguisher and know when and how to use it.
What to Do After a Fire In North Indiana
Even if you successfully extinguish a fire, always call 911 to have professionals inspect for hidden embers, smoke damage, or electrical hazards that could reignite later. When a fire does occur, swift action after an emergency is important. Once it is safe to return, professional restoration services can help minimize long-term damage and restore your home to its pre-fire condition. If you experience a fire, contact Paul Davis of North Indiana for prompt fire damage cleanup, smoke remediation, and restoration services to help your family recover quickly and safely.
