Houston fire officials are warning families to be extra cautious in the kitchen this Thanksgiving, the nation’s leading day for home cooking fires.
National data from the NFPA and U.S. Fire Administration shows most cooking fires are preventable, and Houston sees a similar trend. More than 30 percent of residential fires during Thanksgiving week in the city are cooking related.
In 2023, cooking fires nationwide led to 167,800 incidents, 125 deaths, 2,500 injuries, and more than half a billion dollars in damage.
Last year, ranges and cooktops accounted for more than half of all cooking-related fires, with unattended cooking listed as a major contributor.
HFD is encouraging families to keep kitchens clear, stay focused while cooking, and take extra precautions when frying turkeys.
Officials remind residents to never leave food unattended, keep pot handles turned inward, avoid wearing loose clothing, and keep smoke detectors in working order.
The department also warns that turkey fryers are extremely dangerous. Fryers should only be used outdoors and away from anything that can burn. The turkey must be fully thawed, the fryer should never be overfilled, and an all-purpose fire extinguisher should be kept nearby. Water should never be used on an oil fire.
HFD says following these simple steps can help prevent dangerous flare-ups and keep Thanksgiving celebrations safe for everyone.