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

Genesis Celebrates Science Behind Baking Camp

Genesis: Pathways to Success still has exciting A Summer of STREAM camp opportunities available for students of all ages.

Clearinghouse Basket Raffle Supports Local Residents in Need

The organization is seeking donations for the upcoming event, which runs July 1 - August 1.

Oldenburg Museum Opens This Weekend

It's located in the Hackman-Munchel General Store building.

PHOTOS: Four Local Athletes Compete at 2026 USA Games

All four performed well for Team Indiana

IATCCC Announces 2026 Academic All-State Teams

Several local student athletes earned All-State honors.

Girls Flag Football is Now OHSAA’s 29th Recognized Sport

OHSAA Board of Directors votes to add girls flag football as a fully sanctioned sport

On Air

Alison Wiegand playing
Keith Urban - Your Everything

Zach Top There's The Sun 5:50
Travis Denning After A Few 5:46
Charley Pride Burgers and Fries 5:43
George Strait Every Little Honky Tonk Bar 5:40