Duluth Fire Department Provides Holiday Season Fire Safety Tips

DULUTH, Minn. — Thanksgiving is fast approaching, but so is the risk of fires in the kitchen. The Duluth Fire Department provides some strategies that will keep you and your family safe during this holiday season.

On Thanksgiving, there are three to four times more fires than on a typical day. That’s according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Fortunately, there are safety measures that can keep us focused on the food and not the danger. Deputy Fire Marshall Chris Orman says to be aware of your kitchen surroundings because it can be easy to lose focus. There are more Thanksgiving cooks helping, and children are on vacation from school.

The weather is colder, so activities have moved indoors. Turkey fryers are commonly used this time of year but can be a hazard if used improperly. He says to be careful when using a deep fryer.

“Premeasure your oil so you can put your turkey in the fryer pot, fill it with water over the top of that and see where you are at. Then pull the turkey out and draw a line at where that water is so you have a right amount of oil to cover your turkey. and put the turkey in nice and slow and nice and safe. Again, if you happen to have a turkey fire, turn the heat off, cover with some type of cover nice tightly sealed fit lid,” said Orman.

Orman also said to keep your turkey fryer outside when you use it, not in the garage or other enclosed area. An even when outside, be aware of low tree branches since the flames can go up 10 to 12 feet or more.