Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for home cooking fires in the U.S. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire departments responded to an estimated 1,446 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day 2023, nearly five times the daily average.

It makes sense when you picture the day: a turkey in the oven, three pots on the stove, guests arriving, kids underfoot and the game on in the next room. Distraction is the real danger. NFPA identifies unattended cooking as the leading factor in home cooking fires and related deaths.

The good news is that a few simple habits go a long way. Here is a practical checklist to help you keep the focus on family and food this year.

Stay with what’s cooking

The single most important rule: don’t walk away from the stovetop. Frying, sautéing and anything involving oil can go from sizzling to flaming in seconds.

• Assign a stove captain. If you need to greet guests or check on the kids, hand off the stove to another adult first.
• Set timers for everything. Use your phone or a kitchen timer for the turkey, sides and desserts so nothing gets forgotten during the rush.
• Stay home while the turkey roasts. Check on it regularly rather than leaving the house for a quick errand.
• Dress for the job. Roll up long sleeves and skip loose, flowing fabrics that could brush a burner.

Think twice about the turkey fryer

Deep-fried turkey is delicious, but oil-based fryers are one of the riskiest parts of the holiday. NFPA strongly discourages them because hot oil can spill, boil over or ignite and cause serious burns. Safer options include ordering a fried turkey from a grocery store or restaurant, or using an oil-free fryer.

If you decide to fry anyway, keep these precautions in mind:

• Outdoors only. Never use a fryer in a garage, on a wooden deck, under an overhang or near the house.
• Fully thawed and dry. Ice and water hitting hot oil can cause a dangerous boil-over.
• Don’t overfill. Before cooking, set the turkey in the empty pot, cover it with water, then remove the bird and mark the waterline. Fill oil only to that mark, after drying the pot completely.
• Never leave it unattended, and keep children and pets well away from the fryer area.

Know what to do if a fire starts

A few seconds of the right response can keep a small flare-up from becoming a house fire.

• Grease fire on the stove: Slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames, then turn off the burner. Leave the lid on until the pan has fully cooled. Keep a lid within reach any time you cook with oil.
• Never use water on a grease fire. It can cause burning oil to splatter and spread the flames.
• Oven fire: Turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Open it only once you’re sure the fire is out, standing to the side as you do.
• When in doubt, get out. If the fire isn’t small and contained, leave the house, close the door behind you and call 911 from outside.

Keep a clear zone around the stove

A crowded kitchen is a fire hazard. Give the cooking area some breathing room.

• Three feet of space. Keep kids and pets at least three feet from the stove and anywhere hot food or drinks are being carried.
• Clear the counters. Move towels, oven mitts, paper wrappers, recipe cards and decorations well away from burners.
• Turn handles inward so pots can’t be bumped or grabbed by little hands.
• Mind the edges. Set hot dishes and drinks back from the edges of tables and counters.
• Watch the candles. If you’re decorating with candles, keep them away from anything flammable and blow them out before you leave the room. Battery-operated candles are an easy, safer swap.

Your pre-holiday safety checklist

Take 15 minutes this week to get your home ready before the big day:

• Test every smoke alarm and replace weak batteries
• Make sure there’s a working smoke alarm near the kitchen (but not so close that normal cooking sets it off)
• Check that your kitchen fire extinguisher is charged, unexpired and easy to reach
• Make sure everyone who cooks knows how to use the extinguisher
• Clean grease buildup from the stovetop, oven and range hood
• Keep a pan lid next to the stove for every pot you plan to use with oil
• Review your family’s fire escape plan, especially if overnight guests are staying with you

Enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving

Most kitchen fires are preventable. Stay close to the stove, keep the area clear and have a plan in case something goes wrong. Those few small steps let everyone relax and enjoy the meal.

The holidays are also a good time to make sure your home and your homeowners policy are both in good shape. If you have questions about your coverage, reach out to your Western Mutual agent.

From all of us at Western Mutual, we wish you and your family a safe, happy and delicious Thanksgiving.

Sources

• Thanksgiving Top Day of the Year for Home Cooking Fires in the U.S., Carrier Management, reporting NFPA data (November 13, 2025)