The Dangers of Fried Turkey Fire Videos Go Viral Each November

As Thanksgiving approaches each year, graphic videos of fried turkey fires going horribly wrong begin circulating online. Government agencies like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and fire safety organizations share these startling videos as warnings about the hazards of deep frying whole turkeys. With their dramatic imagery and troubling statistics, these viral fried turkey fire videos serve as urgent safety reminders for all.

Why Turkey Fryer Fire Videos Go Viral Annually

These fried turkey disaster videos go viral every November because various organizations publish them specifically as Thanksgiving PSAs. Agencies like the CPSC U.S. Fire Administration and National Fire Protection Association use the videos to educate the public about proper safety precautions when deep frying turkeys.

By vividly demonstrating worst-case scenarios like propane tank explosions and uncontrolled oil fires, the goal is to discourage dangerous at-home turkey frying The agencies hope to promote safer alternative cooking methods And each year, the graphic videos succeed at capturing public attention.

For example, in November 2022, a CPSC tweet containing a turkey fryer fail compilation reached an astonishing 3 million views in just one day. The shocking sights make the dangers hard to ignore.

Dramatic Turkey Frying Fails Caught on Video

The turkey fryer fire videos published by various organizations typically depict similar harrowing scenarios:

• A frozen turkey being lowered into hot oil instantly causing a towering eruption of flames.

• A tipped-over fryer spilling scalding gallons of oil across a patio, sparking an immediate conflagration.

• Flames rapidly overtaking an outdoor area after a turkey is submerged, charring the space within seconds.

• A propane tank explosion sending the lid of the fryer flying while creating a terrifying fireball.

• Indoor turkey fryer fires spreading quickly across walls and ceilings.

• Severe burn injuries being sustained by homeowners trying to move the fryer during a fire.

These close calls emphasize how rapidly controlled deep frying can turn into an inferno when equipment issues or mistakes happen. The disturbing sights are difficult to forget.

Key Turkey Fryer Fire Statistics Further Prove the Risks

In addition to the eye-opening videos, the agencies publishing them cite statistics that provide further context on how hazardous turkey frying can be:

• On average, 2,300 Thanksgiving Day fires occur annually in U.S. homes.

• The holiday sees over double the typical number of daily cooking fires.

• Turkey frying accidents cause around 5 deaths, 25 injuries, and $26 million in property damage each year.

• Approximately 60% of home cooking fire injuries result from frying foods.

• Fryers are involved in 40% of cooking equipment fires occurring in residences.

These troubling numbers reveal just how much danger deep frying a turkey can present. The harrowing videos coupled with the sobering data deliver an impactful one-two punch.

Preventing Accidents When Deep Frying Turkeys

For those determined to deep fry their turkey regardless of the risks, the agencies providing these videos also share tips to improve safety:

• Only use outdoor propane turkey fryers far away from buildings on flat surfaces. Never fry indoors.

• Don’t overfill fryers with oil. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s fill line instructions.

• Fryer setups should never be on wooden decks or near anything flammable.

• Ensure the turkey is completely thawed and patted dry before cooking.

• Turn off propane tanks when not in use and don’t leave fryers unattended.

• Keep children and pets far away from the hot oil at all times.

• Have multiple fire extinguishers nearby in case of emergencies.

But the bottom line remains that avoiding frying altogether is the safest choice. The disturbing videos communicate that point effectively!

Alternative Cooking Methods Are Safer

For individuals looking for a less risky turkey cooking method this Thanksgiving, here are some much safer options:

• Oven Roasting – The traditional approach, locking in juicy moisture.

• Grilling – Infuses delicious smoky flavors when cooked on a charcoal or gas grill.

• Smoking – Low, slow smoking keeps the turkey extra moist.

• Air Frying – Circulating hot air crisps the skin without dangerous spattering oil.

• Sous Vide – Gently cooks in a temperature controlled water bath.

So this year, consider a foolproof turkey cooking technique like roasting or grilling rather than putting safety at risk with a volatile propane fryer.

Fried Turkey Fire Videos Clearly Resonate with Viewers

The tremendous viewership accumulated by these fried turkey disaster videos each November demonstrates their ability to capture the public’s attention. For instance, the CPSC’s 2022 tweet quickly reached 3 million views, 73,000 likes, and extensive news coverage.

This vast audience reveals that even years after first being published, the disturbing sights continue enthralling viewers. The dramatic imagery leaves a lasting impact regarding the hazards of using powerful open flames and hot oil.

And given their perennial viral nature, these cautionary videos seem likely to remain widely circulated Thanksgiving safety reminders for years to come. Their troubling footage sends a message that clearly resonates.

Key Takeaways from Turkey Fryer Fire Videos

• They vividly demonstrate alarming fire risks that frequently occur when deep frying turkeys.

• Startling statistics shared alongside further contextualize the dangerous hazards.

• Publishing the videos annually promotes crucial safety awareness before Thanksgiving.

• Their rampant viewership proves the shocking sights capture public attention.

• Exercising caution and preparedness are essential to reduce accident chances.

• Ultimately, not frying turkeys at all remains the safest choice.

This November, be sure to put safety first. Consider oven roasting your turkey or using an alternative cooking technique. And if you do decide to deep fry, take every precaution to avoid becoming the subject of one of these viral turkey fryer fire videos!