Thanksgiving Day Leads in Residential Fires

More property damage and lives are lost in residential structure fires on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year, according to the .

An estimated 2,000 Thanksgiving Day residential fires are reported to U.S. fire department each year.  The increase applies mostly to cooking fires in family homes. These fires result in an estimated average of five deaths, 25 injuries, and $121 million in property loss.

Over the last several years, turkey fryer fires have contributed significantly to the increase in cooking fires. 

The Fire and Rescue Department recommends these safe cooking tips.

• Always use cooking equipment tested and approved by a recognized testing facility.
• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying or grilling food. If you leave the kitchen, turn off the stove.
• Keep anything that can catch fire, including potholders, towels, and curtains, away from the stove-top.
• Have a "kid-free zone" of at least three feet around the stove.
• Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
• Always keep an oven mitt and lid nearby when cooking.

In addition, safety staff remind residents to be extremely careful when placing the turkey into the oven or turkey fryer.

If having a fried turkey is a must for Thanksgiving, consider purchasing a fried, cooked turkey from a commercial source.  Supermarkets and restaurants accept orders for fried turkeys during the holiday season.