Here’s how to keep your family safe from cooking fires this holiday season

Let's not even get started on Butte and fires.  Arson aside, though, we are coming upon the time of year when fire departments see an increase in calls due to home cooking fires.  Don't become a statistic this year.

The National Fire Protection Association tells us that on 2023 over 1400 home cooking fires were reported to United States fire departments on Thanksgiving Day which is a 388% increase over what is reported in a normal day.  Christmas Day and Christmas Eve were the second and third leading days.

NFPA's vice president of Outreach and Advocacy Lorraine Carli explains the increase.  "Thanksgiving is a hectic holiday with multiple dishes cooking and baking at the same time, and along with guests, entertaining and other distractions, it can be easy to lose sight of what's on the stove or in the oven," she said in a statement. "With all these factors at play, it's no surprise that we consistently see a dramatic spike in home cooking fires on Thanksgiving."

TIPS ON KEEPING YOUR KITCHEN SAFE

Carli tells us that paying attention is key.  "Keeping a close eye on what's cooking and minimizing the likelihood of getting distracted can greatly reduce the risk of cooking fires," she said.  Here are some tips and recommendations that are encouraged by the NFPA to help everyone cook safely this holiday season.

• Do not leave the kitchen while using the stovetop.
• Remember that frying or sauteing with oil requires continuous attention.
• If you are cooking a turkey do not leave home and remember to check it on a regular basis.
• Use timers and alarms to track cooking times, especially for those that require a longer cooking time.
• Keep supplies like oven mitts, wooden utensils, papers and wrappers as well as cleaning towels a minimum of three feet from the cooking area.
• Do not wear any long sleeves or hanging fabrics like robes.  They can come into contact with a flame or burner.
• Keep a lid near your stovetop if cooking with a pan.  If a grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame and then turn off the burner.  Leave the lid on to prevent reignition.  If a fire breaks out in your oven, turn the heat off and do not open the door and leave it closed until you are confident that the fire is completely out.  Do not stand in front of the door when opening.  If you have ANY concerns, call the fire department.
• Keep your kids and animals at least three feet away from the stove and any areas where hot food or drink is prepared or transported.  Do not leave hot foods and liquids near the edge of a table or counter.

The NFPA also strongly discourages using turkey fryers that require cooking oil which is responsible for thousands of devastating burns every year.  They suggest purchasing a fried turkey from a restaurant or grocery store or buying a fryer that does not require cooking oil.

Please follow these guidelines to help your loved ones stay safe this holiday season.