Fire department personnel are more likely to be unintended guests on Thanksgiving Day than on any other day of the year.

In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than three times as many home cooking fires occur on Turkey Day as on a typical day of the year. Research from NFPA showed that there were 1,600 reported home cooking fires on Thanksgiving in 2017, a 238% increase over the daily average. Unattended cooking was the leading cause of these fires.

Cooking caused almost half of the reported home fires (49%) and home fire injuries (45%) and more than one in five home fire deaths (22%). Source: David WagmanCooking caused almost half of the reported home fires (49%) and home fire injuries (45%) and more than one in five home fire deaths (22%). Source: David WagmanAccording to the NFPA report, during 2013 to 2017, local fire departments responded to an estimated average of 173,200 home cooking fires per year. These fires caused an average of 550 deaths; 5,020 injuries; and $1.2 billion in direct property damage annually.

Cooking caused almost half of the reported home fires (49%) and home fire injuries (45%) and more than one in five home fire deaths (22%). Cooking was the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries and the second leading cause of home fire death.

The NFPA said an average of 470 home cooking fires were reported per day. Other leading days for home fires included Christmas day, Christmas Eve, the day before Thanksgiving and Easter.

The report said that less progress has been made in reducing deaths from home cooking fires than deaths from most other fire causes. There were more cooking fire deaths in 2013 to 2017 than in 1980 to 1984, despite total home fire deaths falling by 46% over the period.

NFPA said that although women spent twice as much time cooking, males were more likely to die in cooking fires.

At more than 400 pages, NFPA 72 is the primary standard covering the application, installation, location, performance, inspection, testing and maintenance of fire alarm systems, supervising station alarm systems, public emergency alarm reporting systems, fire and carbon monoxide detection and warning equipment, and emergency communications systems and their components.

Safety tips

NFPA offered several tips for cooking safely this Thanksgiving:

  • Always cook with a lid beside your pan. If you have a fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time. Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on the fire.
  • For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Only open the door once you are 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 help.
  • Keep children at least 3 ft away from the stove. Kids should also stay away from hot foods and liquids, as steam or splash from these items could cause severe burns.

In addition, NFPA said it "strongly discourages" the use of turkey fryers, as these can lead to severe burns, injuries and property damage. For a safe alternative, NFPA recommends purchasing from grocery stores, food retailers and restaurants that sell deep-fried turkey.