Las Vegas City Wire

Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, but it also brings an increased risk of cooking fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) notes that the number of cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day is three times higher than average across the United States. Cooking remains the leading cause of fires and related injuries both in Las Vegas and nationwide.

The primary factor contributing to Thanksgiving Day fires is unattended cooking. Items catching fire due to proximity to heat sources rank second, followed by unintentionally activated or left-on equipment. A significant portion of reported injuries from cooking fires occur when individuals attempt to extinguish the flames themselves.

Las Vegas Fire & Rescue has shared several safety tips for those planning to deep fry a turkey this holiday season:

- Use an approved turkey fryer with four legs and a built-in thermostat.

- Fry outdoors, away from buildings and flammable materials.

- Ensure children and pets are kept at a distance during frying.

- Follow instructions regarding turkey size, cooking methods, and oil types.

- Make sure the turkey is fully thawed and dry before frying.

- Never leave the fryer unattended, and use appropriate protective gloves.

For general cooking safety:

- Have functional smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

- Avoid using stoves if you are tired or have consumed alcohol.

- Remain in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling food.

- Keep flammable items away from stovetops.

It’s important not to use outdoor cooking devices indoors as they can produce dangerous carbon monoxide gas. Additionally, more fireplace-related incidents occur on Thanksgiving than any other day in the U.S., so proper fireplace management is essential.

In case of a fire:

"If there is a stove fire," advise experts, "shut off the stove and cover the burning pan with a lid or use a fire extinguisher." They caution against using water or other substances which might worsen the situation. For larger fires, it's advised that everyone evacuate safely and call emergency services.