Thanksgiving Peak Time for Cooking Fires

WILTON, CT — Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). One out of three home fires begins in the kitchen – more than any other place in the home. Additionally, the number one cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking, and NFPA data shows Thanksgiving Day is the peak day for home cooking fires.

"A recent State Farm report shows the average 2018 cooking/grease fire loss claim in Connecticut was more than $27,000," said Wilton State Farm Agent Karen O'Brien. "During that same year, State Farm paid out more than $118 million across the U.S."

O'Brien offered the following cooking tips to help keep families, and their property, safe during the holiday season:

• Always keep an eye on what you are cooking/frying. Never leave the cooking area unattended.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.
• Keep a lid beside the pan when cooking. If a fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Never throw water on a grease fire.
• Keep a fire extinguisher approved for cooking or grease fires nearby. Make sure your smoke alarms are working.

If you have a cooking fire:

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

Additional Resources:

• Tips on how to deep fry a turkey safely
• Putting kitchen safety first