Firefighters: Cooking fires most common on Thanksgiving
REDDING, Calif. - Northstate firefighters are expected to keep busy this Thanksgiving season, with call for cooking fires.
According to the National Fire Prevention Association Thanksgiving is the biggest day for cooking fires.
Frying a turkey is the number one concern, but there is a danger inside the kitchen as well. Between 2010 and 2014, 46% of home fires were caused by cooking equipment, resulting in 19% of home fire deaths and 44% of injuries.
Firefighters say to avoid a fire and keep your family safe, always keep an eye on the food and be alert when cooking.
Make sure to use pot handles and well-insulated gloves when handling pots and pans. Firefighters also suggest thinking ahead and having a way to put a fire out.
Redding Fire Department Battalion Chief Sean Coleman said, "The fire extinguisher or baking soda or something you can use to attempt to extinguish it if you are inclined. But the really biggie is to remember that you can't use water on those kinds of fires it's really going to make the problem worse."
If frying a turkey, make sure to keep it away from the house or anything that could catch fire and also be careful with the hot oil to prevent any serious burns.
