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

DNR: Make Water Safety a Priority

The DNR has provided some boating safety tips to remember this summer.

Reentry Program Making Positive Impact on Jail Population

The Ripley Co. Sheriff's Office is committed to enhancing public safety through the initiative.

ISP Release Body Cam Footage from Water Rescue Near Holton

The incident took place on Wednesday.

Local Sports Report - May 21, 2026

Boys Track & Field and Girls Tennis sectional results, plus more!

East Central Boys Track Claim Sectional Title

Sectional 24 was held at Connersville on Thursday.

Four Earn ORVC Weekly Honors

ORVC Report for May 11-16.

On Air

Eagle Country 99.3 playing
Blake Shelton - Drink On It

Easton Corbin A Little More Country Than That 9:57
Chris Janson All I Need Is You - EAGLE ONLY 9:49
Jon Pardi Your Heart or Mine 9:47
Don Williams If Hollywood Don't Need You 9:43