LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Fire officials are urging Ohioans to stay alert in the kitchen as Thanksgiving approaches.
Thanksgiving remains the leading day for home cooking fires nationwide. The National Fire Protection Association estimates nearly 1,500 cooking fires occur each year on Thanksgiving — almost four times the daily average.
In Ohio, fire departments responded to more than 350 fires during Thanksgiving week last year, including 66 caused by cooking.
Officials say distractions in the kitchen are often to blame. Families should stay close to what they’re cooking, keep flammables away from heat, and use extra caution if deep-frying a turkey.
“Biggest thing is don’t be cooking and leave the residence or leave the room. Make sure somebody’s always with the stove, with the grill, whatever you’re cooking on. If you’re going to deep fry a turkey, make sure you’re doing that out away from the residence. Don’t do it in the garage. Don’t do it on a deck. Make sure it’s on a hard concrete surface level. And always test fit with water before you put the oil in the container, because a lot of times people overfill it with oil. They’ll set the turkey in, then they’ll have a splash over event catch fire,” said Shawn Allgire, fire inspector and investigator, Lima Fire Department.
Fire officials say staying alert and keeping safety in mind can help Ohio families enjoy a safer holiday season.
