Thanksgiving Safety

Cover Fires or Use Extinguisher

According to the National Fire Protection Association deep fryer fires are responsbile for five deaths, 60 injuries, the destruction of 900 homes, and more than $15 million in property damage, every year.

In recent years, some of those fires have been started by people deep frying wet or improperly thawed turkeys.

Superior Fire Department Batallion Chief Erik Sutton, said those fires are often ignited by spattering oil caused by steam,

“When water turns to steam it expands 1700 times,” Sutton said. 

“That kicks the grease out of the bucket, which then catches on fire due to the burner underneath.”

Sutton added that the first step to handle any fire is to turn off the heat source, if it can be done safely.

If the fire is in an oven, it should be put out with a fire extinguisher if possible.

The best way to handle a grease fire in a pot, is to cover it with a tight fitting lid.

No matter what the fire, Sutton recommends calling the fire department to ensure the flames are out completely, and do not re-ignite.