SFD Encourages Extra Caution This Turkey Day

Tour Commander, 509.625.7100

Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at 11:47 a.m.

As Thanksgiving fast approaches, Spokane Fire Department encourages community members to cook safely this holiday season. Thanksgiving Day is the leading day for home cooking fires nationally. More than three times as many cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving Day as a typical day of the year (National Fire Protection Association).

On Thanksgiving Day alone, an estimated 1,400 home cooking fires were reported to U.S. fire departments in 2019, reflecting a 228 percent increase over the daily average (NFPA).

The good news is that most cooking fires are preventable.

Here are some simple cooking safety tips from NFPA:

  • Check on food regularly while cooking and set timers.
  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the stove.
  • Keep things that can catch fire like oven mitts and wooden utensils at least three feet away from the cooking area.
  • Avoid long sleeves that can come in contact with a heat source.
  • If a fire starts on the stovetop, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Let the pan cool for a long time. Do not use water or a fire extinguisher on a grease fire.
  • If you have a fire that has spread beyond the pan, get outside of your home and call 9-1-1 immediately.
  • 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. If you have any doubts, get out and call 9-1-1.

For additional cooking safety tips visit NFPA.org.