IHS: Thanksgiving Ranks As No. 1 Day Of The Year When Home Fires Occur

Unattended cooking is the most common contributing factor.

Shutterstock photo.

INDIANAPOLIS – Did you know Thanksgiving Day ranks as the number one day of the year when home cooking fires occur.

Indiana Homeland Security and the National Fire Protection Association are reminding Hoosiers how to stay safe while cooking this holiday season.

Cooking Safety Tips:

  • Stay in the kitchen while cooking food on the stovetop, and stay at home while food is in the oven. Unattended cooking is the most common contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths (NFPA).
  • Remove items from the stovetop that could catch fire such as oven mitts, utensils, towels and food packages.
  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the stove to avoid burns from the appliance or spilled food.
  • Deep fryers should always be used outdoors at a safe distance from buildings, porches and any other flammable materials.
  • Never leave the fryer unattended.
  • If the meat is not completely thawed before being cooked in a fryer, a grease fire could occur.
  • Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby and never use water to douse a grease fire.
  • If a fire is too large to address safely, evacuate the home and call 911.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports more than 200 turkey-fryer incidents have occurred in the last two decades (1998-2018), resulting in almost $10 million in property loss.

For more information, visit Get Prepared: Thanksgiving.

More from Local News

Events

Teresa Todd Sentenced for Operating Crack Cocaine Distribution Business

Todd’s criminal history spans approximately 38 years with her prior offenses including dealing in cocaine, possession of cocaine, forgery and fraud and others.

Retired Teachers Foundation Gives Grants to Local Educators

Long-time supporter Greg Horn honored with legacy award.

Rachel Holt Set to Perform at 2nd Annual Big Blue Bash at Mar-a-Lago in Florida

Rachel has a personal connection to the men and women in law enforcement.

Local Sports Report - September 4-5, 2026

There was lots of high school sports action of the holiday weekend.

Local Sports Report - September 3, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Seven Earn ORVC Weekly Honors

See top performers for August 24-29

On Air

Rick Bernius playing
Tracy Lawrence - As Any Fool Can See

Cole Swindell Break Up In The End 16:06
Bailey Zimmerman Fall in Love 16:02
Fox News Fox News National Newscast 16:01
Russell Dickerson Worth Your Wild 15:58