MFRD Urges Fire Safety During Thanksgiving Holiday

November 24 - The Mobile Fire-Rescue Department (MFRD) is urging the public to make fire safety a priority when preparing this year’s Thanksgiving feast. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recently released its Home Cooking Fires report, and it shows that Thanksgiving is the peak day for U.S. home cooking fires.

According to the report, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,630 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day, three-and-half times that of an average day. Unattended cooking was by far the leading cause of associated fires and fire deaths. Cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire injuries year-round, and the second-leading cause of home fire deaths. 

NFPA and MFRD offer these tips and recommendations for safely cooking this Thanksgiving:

• Never leave the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop. Some types of cooking, especially those that involve frying or sautéing with oil, need continuous attention.
• When cooking a turkey, or other items in the oven, stay in your home and check on it regularly.
• Set a timer on your stove or phone to keep track of cooking times, particularly for foods that require longer cook times.
• Keep things that can catch fire like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers, and towels away from direct contact with the cooking area.
• Avoid long sleeves and hanging fabrics that could come in contact with a heat source.
• Always cook with a lid beside your pan. If you have a fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time. Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Only open the door once you’re confident the fire is completely out, standing to the side as you do. If you have any doubts or concerns, contact the fire department for assistance.
• Keep children at least three feet away from the stove and areas where hot food or drink is being prepared or served. Steam or spills from these items can cause severe burns.

Additionally, MFRD reminds citizens of the ever-present threat of COVID-19 and recommends following Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) guidelines to help reduce risks and limit potential exposure, including celebrating virtually, dining outdoors and socially-distanced, avoiding travel, wearing a mask, and washing hands often.