Buzz
While fried turkey is often praised for its delicious flavor, attempting to fry a whole turkey at home can lead to catastrophic consequences, including the risk of a house fire. The Consumer Product Safety Commission, known for conducting holiday fire experiments, has released a new demonstration highlighting the dangers of improper turkey frying.
In the demonstration, the CPSC team used a partially frozen turkey and placed it into an overfilled fryer with oil that had been heated excessively. The oil overflowed, splattering everywhere and quickly igniting a fire. While most people know not to fry a turkey indoors, many assume setting up in a garage or porch is safe. However, a previous demonstration revealed that even these locations are too close to flammable structures, like your home.
In both scenarios, the initial flames from the fryer subside, but the danger persists. Many people instinctively try to douse the fire with water, which only exacerbates the situation. Observe the individuals in the demonstration, equipped with hoses and firefighter gear (for safety purposes), as their efforts to extinguish the flames end up spreading burning oil further.
According to CPSC Social Media Specialist Joseph Galbo, all the risk factors highlighted in the video—such as using a frozen turkey, overfilling the fryer with hot oil, and attempting to extinguish the fire with water—are common mistakes people have made over the years, all of which are extremely hazardous.
If you’re determined to fry a turkey, the CPSC advises taking the following precautions to minimize fire risks:
Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your fryer
Set up the fryer at a safe distance from your home, preferably on a flat, non-flammable surface clear of leaves or debris
Avoid using water to put out a fire. Instead, call emergency services immediately.
The National Fire Protection Association, which also advocates against home fire hazards, suggests that unless you own an oil-less turkey fryer, it’s safer to purchase fried turkey from a professional restaurant. After all, opting for takeout can be a smart and hassle-free solution.
