How to Put Out a Turkey Fryer Fire and Prevent One from Happening

Ah! Its that time of year again, time to mash the potatoes, smell the pumpkin pie, gather family and friends, and take a bite of string bean casserole. Right now, you may be preparing your menu and deciding how youre going to cook your turkey this holiday season. Are you considering the prospects of deep-frying your bird? If so, read on before you run to the store to buy the fryer and cooking oil.

Deep-fried turkey, a tradition from the South, has been gaining in popularity over the years and has been touted by famous chefs to be a quick method of cooking a flavorful and moist bird. However, frying in general is more dangerous than many other types of cooking, since it involves using a large quantity of cooking oil, a combustible substance. Many cooks may not realize that deep-frying a turkey is very hazardous, even for those who have been using fryers for years.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) discourages the use of outdoor, gas-fueled turkey fryers, which can lead to devastating burns, destruction of property, and other injuries. Additionally, Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the organization that certifies safe products, does not certify these types of fryers with its UL label. Both organizations discourage the use of open-flame fryers due to the following:

Despite these hazards, if you still plan on using a turkey fryer, please follow these safety guidelines:

In case youre still wondering, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires. The day has three times the average number of reported home structure fires involved with cooking equipment. Please be careful this holiday season.

Frying turkeys has become a popular Thanksgiving tradition in many households. However, deep-frying turkeys can also lead to dangerous fires and injuries if not done safely. In this article, we’ll go over how to prevent turkey fryer fires and what to do if one starts.

Safety Tips to Prevent Turkey Fryer Fires

Here are some important safety considerations when using a turkey fryer to help avoid fires and injuries:

Use the turkey fryer outdoors, away from your home and roof eaves. Turkey fryers can easily tip over, so keep them on a flat, stable surface at least 10 feet away from buildings.
Do not overfill the fryer. Oil can spill over when adding the turkey. Check the oil level by first filling the pot with water and testing the fit with the turkey.
Completely thaw and dry the turkey first. Putting a frozen or wet turkey into hot oil can cause splattering and might lead to a fire.
Monitor the oil temperature. Fryers without thermostats can overheat past the oil’s smoke point. Use a thermometer and keep temperature under 400°F.
Use fryer handles with care The pot, lid, and handles get dangerously hot Always use insulated mitts/gloves. Keep kids and pets away.
Do not leave the fryer unattended. Stay by the fryer while cooking in case of boil overs, splatter, or fire.
Have a fire extinguisher nearby. Make sure it is suitable for grease/oil fires. Do not use water on a grease fire.

Following these tips will help minimize the risks of hot oil spills splattering, and overheating that can lead to turkey fryer fires. It’s also safer to use an electric turkey fryer rather than propane.

What To Do If a Turkey Fryer Fire Starts

Even if you take precautions, accidents can still happen. Here’s what to do if fire breaks out while deep frying a turkey:

Turn off the propane tank or unplug the electric fryer if you can safely reach it. This will stop the flow of fuel to the fire.
Call 911 immediately if the fire grows or you cannot safely extinguish it yourself.
Use a fire extinguisher if the fire is small and contained in the pot. Aim the extinguisher at the base of the flames and use short bursts.
Do not throw water on the fire. Water will cause hot oil to splatter and spread the flames.
If the fire is rapidly spreading, evacuate your home. Get everyone to safety.
Do not try to move the turkey fryer once hot oil has ignited. The splashing action can burn you and spread the fire.
Let the fire department handle the situation once they arrive. Follow their instructions.

Having an appropriate fire extinguisher handy and knowing how to use it properly can help you put out a contained turkey fryer fire. But call 911 right away if the situation seems dangerous or beyond your control.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher on a Fryer Fire

Fire extinguishers are a critical part of putting out small stove and fryer fires. Here are some tips on using one:

Make sure you have an ABC type extinguisher suitable for grease fires. Read the label to check.
Pull the pin out. This will unlock the operating lever.
Aim the nozzle low at the base of the fire. Stay 6-8 feet away.
Squeeze the handles. This will release the extinguishing agent.
Sweep from side to side. Move the stream back and forth across the base of the fire.
Watch for rekindling. Look for hot spots and repeat bursts if needed.
Let the extinguisher recharge after use. Pressure must build back up inside.

Proper use of a fire extinguisher can quickly put out a small stovetop or turkey fryer fire before it spreads. Remember to aim low at the base of flames and sweep across.

Preventing Turkey Fryer Damage

A turkey fryer fire can cause damage to property as well as injuries. Follow these tips to help minimize damage if a fire occurs:

Keep the fryer away from structures, vehicles, vegetation, and other flammables.
Have a spray bottle of cooking oil handy. Lightly spraying the surfaces around the fryer can help prevent scorching damage if oil splashes out.
Cover nearby patios and walls with tarps that can help shield from splashing oil.
Move patio furniture, decorations, etc further away to keep them out of harm’s way.
Have metal lids ready to cover the fryer if it tips over. This can help smother a growing fire.
Keep a fire resistant mat under and around the fryer to provide protection.

Taking protective measures around where you set up the turkey fryer can help reduce damage if an accident occurs. Precautions like tarps, lids, and fire mats add another layer of safety.

When to Fight a Fryer Fire vs Calling 911

It’s important to know when a turkey fryer fire has escalated beyond your control and requires calling the fire department. Here are some situations where you should call 911 immediately:

The fire grows rapidly beyond the pot and you cannot safely get close enough to extinguish it.
The fire is spreading towards your home, trees, vehicles or other structures.
The propane tank catches fire.
The fryer tips over and ignites a large surrounding area.
You do not have an appropriate fire extinguisher available.
You are unsure how to safely operate an extinguisher.
The fire produces thick, toxic smoke making it difficult to breathe.
Your extinguisher runs out and the fire reignites.
Everyone’s safety is at immediate risk due to fire size and intensity.

Once the fire spreads past the contained cooking vessel, it’s time to evacuate and call 911. Fighting large, aggressive fires should be left to the fire department since they have the proper gear, experience and training.

Key Takeaways on Turkey Fryer Fire Safety

To recap, here are the key tips on preventing and dealing with turkey fryer fires:

Set up the fryer safely away from structures and keep area clear.
Do not overfill the pot with oil.
Monitor temperature closely and do not overheat oil.
Never leave the fryer unattended while cooking.
Have proper fire extinguisher ready in case of emergency.
Know when the fire is too large and you need to call 911.
Use caution when trying to extinguish the fire yourself.
Evacuate immediately if fire grows out of control.

Following sensible safety precautions is crucial when deep frying turkeys. Understanding what to do when an accident happens can help mitigate injuries and property damage. With proper preparation, you can enjoy the holiday tradition while minimizing risks.

how to put out a turkey fryer fire

Explore the National Park Service

Frying a turkey can quickly turn into a hazardous fire situation.

Turkey fryers tip easily, spilling their contents, and causing oil to ignite.
Overfilling the fryer is common. The oil spills out of the pot when the turkey is placed in the fryer, engulfing the whole unit in flames.
With no thermostat controls, the oil is prone to overheating to the combustion point.
The handles and lid get extremely hot, which can cause severe burns.
Since the unit is designed for outdoor use, rain or snow can fall on the unit, splattering the oil and converting the water to scalding steam.

Despite these hazards, if you still plan on using a turkey fryer, please follow these safety guidelines:

Always use the fryer outdoors on a flat surface, safely away from structures, wooden decks, and covered patios. No matter what, DO NOT be tempted to use the fryer in a garage.
Have the correct kind of fire extinguisher nearby and ready to use.
To ensure you are using the right amount of oil, place a thawed turkey in the fry pot and add enough water to cover the bird by ½”. Remove the turkey and mark the water level. Dump the water and thoroughly dry the pot and turkey. Fill the pot with oil to the marked level.
Do not leave the fryer unattended. Monitor the temperature of the oil with a thermometer to prevent the oil from overheating and catching fire. If the oil begins to smoke, immediately turn the gas off.
Ensure the turkey is COMPLETELY THAWED to prevent a fire or explosion hazard.
Raise and lower the turkey slowly to prevent oil splatter, burns, and fire.
Keep children and pets away from the fryer to prevent tipping, even after the turkey is done. The oil is dangerously hot for hours.
Use your safety tools: Oven mitts, gloves, and safety goggles.
Stand upwind of the propane tank and fryer so heat blows away from you.

Fire Info for You

Employees Keep fire safe in the kitchen by following these Thanksgiving Safety tips from the NFPA.

Park Leadership Consider establishing guidelines for using turkey fryers in your park this holiday season.

Ensure your employees are completing NPSs Annual Fire Extinguisher Education to keep updated on the proper use of fire extinguishers, which are used frequently on cooking fires.

Select a safer method of cooking your turkey this holiday season. If you enjoy the taste of fried turkey, cook the bird in an electric fryer that does not have an open flame or purchase a cooked turkey from a grocer or restaurant that uses professional frying equipment.

In June 2009, a double deep-fryer caught fire in the kitchen of the Seagulls Nest, a restaurant operated by a park concessionaire in Gateway National Recreation Area. The fire was extinguished by concession employees with portable fire extinguishers. NPS and mutual aid firefighters checked the building for additional hidden fire using a thermal imaging camera and cooled the deep fryer. The fire was caused by an electrical short in the fryers ignition switch.

Orange County firefighters demonstrate the fiery outcome of adding a frozen turkey to a deep fryer

FAQ

What to do if a turkey fryer catches fire?

Turn Off the Heat: If safe to do so, turn off the fryer to stop additional heating. Do Not Use Water: Never pour water on an oil fire, as it can cause the fire to explode and spread. Cover the Flames: Use a metal lid or a baking sheet to cover the fryer and smother the flames if it’s safe.

What would you do if a deep fryer catches fire?

If you discover the fire quickly, you can cover it with a lid or fire blanket to smother the flames.

How to extinguish a turkey fryer?

Keep a multipurpose (ABC) fire extinguisher nearby in case of fire. Never use water to extinguish a turkey fryer fire; oil and water do not mix. If a fire occurs, immediately clear the area and call 911.

Can you put oil in a turkey fryer?

Remember: a turkey fryer fire is a grease fire and water can cause grease/oil to spread. Keep children and pets away from the fryer. Once finished, turn off the burner and carefully remove the pot. Place the pot on a level surface and cover it to let the oil cool overnight before disposing. Opt for an oil-less or air fryer.

How do you use a turkey fryer?

Make sure your turkey fryer is on a sturdy, level surface and do not move it once it is in use. Make sure it is at least 10 feet from your home and not under roof eaves. Test the amount of oil you need by filling your fryer with water. Place the turkey in the pot making sure the water doesn’t get too close to the top.

What should I do if my turkey fryer fires?

Do not over fill your turkey fryer. Water and hot oil don’t mix, if a fire breaks out on the stove or in the oven smother the fire with a lid or cookie sheet instead of trying to put it out with water. Have a fire extinguisher handy. Keep the kitchen clear of combustibles, people and pets. Stay in the kitchen while cooking.

Can you use a hose on a turkey fryer fire?

NEVER use a water or garden hose on a fire related to turkey fryers. Remember: a turkey fryer fire is a grease fire and water can cause grease/oil to spread. Keep children and pets away from the fryer. Once finished, turn off the burner and carefully remove the pot.

Can a turkey fryer cause a fire?

Holiday cooks should carefully use a turkey fryer because turkey fryer accidents have the potential to cause a fire and serious injury. Each year these deep fryers on average cause 60 injuries, 5 deaths and over $15 million in property damage according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Never leave fryers unattended.

Should you deep fry a Turkey?

Nowadays, those holiday recipes and traditions might include deep-frying a turkey because of the flavor and juiciness. Holiday cooks should carefully use a turkey fryer because turkey fryer accidents have the potential to cause a fire and serious injury.