JACKSON, Miss. – Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association, and the State Fire Marshal is reminding the public to stay safe while cooking holiday meals.

So far, there have been 58 fire deaths statewide in 2024, with unattended cooking as the cause in six of those deaths. There were seven cooking-related fire deaths in 2023.

“Many people have family and friends over for the holiday,” said Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. “Don’t let distractions put you and your guests in danger. Make your home safer by installing multiple smoke alarms. If you have to leave the kitchen for even a short amount of time, turn off the stove.”

Use these safety tips from the State Fire Marshal’s Office when preparing a Thanksgiving meal:

• Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves that could catch fire.
• If young children are present, use the stove’s back burners whenever possible.
• Turn pot handles inward to reduce the risk that pots will be knocked over.
• Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires, pan and pot fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop.
• Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

If there is a fire:

• Just get out! Close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 911 after leaving.
• Create an escape plan with multiple exits that all family members know and set a meeting place outside.

 

If using a turkey fryer:

• Fryers should be used outdoors, a safe distance from buildings and any other flammable materials.
• Some turkey fryers are designed for indoor use. If using one of these, follow manufacturer directions carefully.
• Never use a fryer in a garage or on a wooden deck.
• Make sure fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
• Never leave the fryer unattended. If not watched carefully, the fryer oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
• Thaw the turkey prior to frying it. The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture recommends thawing a turkey 24 hours for every four to five pounds.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.
• The Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends, when using a propane fryer, using a hose at least 6-feet long to distance the propane tank from the fryers flame.