KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) – Thanksgiving is around the corner and it’s the peak day for home-cooking fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
One thing contributing to these fires is deep frying turkeys – incorrectly.
Knox County Rural Metro Fire Department says its crews respond to an average of six of these turkey-related incidents every year.
On Wednesday, firefighters demonstrated just how quickly this method can turn dangerous.
RMFD saying the first thing to remember if you’re going to fry a turkey is to do so in a safe place.
“Every year, somebody tries this under a wooden deck, in their garage, on their patio, with their porch overhand, or too near their house,” says RMF’s Jeff Bagwell. “Invariably, somebody will burn their house down as a result of frying a turkey the wrong way.”
Here are some things RMFD says to keep in mind:
- Fill the pot you’re using only to the fill line, not above it – to ensure the oil won’t overflow when you put the turkey in
- Thaw the bird completely
- Heat the oil at recommended levels – do not overheat
To give examples of the wrong way of turkey frying, RMFD didn’t thaw their bird, and heated the oil to a way-too-hot 400 degrees.
RMFD also says if you have a problem, to immediately call the fire department and it’s not a bad idea to also have a fire extinguisher on-hand.
