Raleighnc.gov logo
Thank you for printing this page from the City of Raleigh's Official Website (www.raleighnc.gov)
https://raleighnc.gov/fire/services/how-prevent-fire/thanksgiving-fire-prevention
06/24/2026 9:02 am

Flambe Fire In Frying Pan

Thanksgiving Fire Prevention

How to keep safe during the holiday

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Jump To:

 
Dangers of Using a Turkey Fryer General Fire Safety Tips Tips for Kids During Thanksgiving

More than three times as many home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving Day as on a typical day of the year, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

There were 1,600 reported home cooking fires on Thanksgiving in 2017, reflecting a 238 percent increase over the daily average.

Unattended cooking was the leading cause of these fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Dangers of Using a Turkey Fryer

Dangers of Turkey Fryers

NFPA joins CPSC to demonstrate the fire dangers of turkey fryers in this live burn. NFPA strongly discourages the use of turkey fryers.

General Fire Safety Tips

turkey in an oven with the door open

When cooking a turkey, stay in your home and check on it regularly. Learn more about cooking safely in your home!

Tips for Kids During Thanksgiving

Kids love to be involved in holiday preparations. Safety in the kitchen is important, especially on Thanksgiving Day when there is a lot of activity and people at home.

Safety Tips

  • Keep children at least three feet away from the stove and away from the hot liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns. 
  • Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags. 
  • Keep knives, matches and lighters out of the reach of children and make sure cords from a coffee maker, or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
  • Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
  • Kids can get involved in Thanksgiving preparations with recipes that can be done outside the kitchen.

Contact

 

Raleigh Fire Department: FirePrevention@raleighnc.gov

Back to Fire
Back to Education and Learning
Department:
Fire
Service Categories:
Fire Education

Subscribe

 

Related Projects

  All projects