Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips: Protect Your Home and Loved Ones
Thanksgiving Day may be a time for gratitude and gathering—but it’s also the leading day for home cooking fires in the United States. In fact, fires on Thanksgiving occur three times more often than on any other day of the year.
At CCS Property Services, we specialize in fire damage restoration and build back services, and we’ve seen firsthand how devastating holiday-related fires can be. That’s why we’re sharing these essential Thanksgiving fire safety tips to help you prevent fire damage and keep your family safe this season.
Why Thanksgiving Poses a Fire Risk
Most home fires start in the kitchen, and with the added chaos of guests, hot food, and holiday distractions, Thanksgiving can turn dangerous in seconds. The combination of open flames, hot oil, and unattended cooking is a recipe for disaster.
Whether you’re cooking a turkey, boiling potatoes, or using an electric carving knife, staying alert and prepared is your best defense.
Top 5 Tips to Prevent Kitchen Fires on Thanksgiving
Based on safety insights from fire departments and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), here are five proven ways to reduce your risk of a Thanksgiving kitchen fire:
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Avoid Loose Clothing Near Open Flames
Long, flowing sleeves or scarves can easily catch fire. Choose short or tight-fitting clothing while cooking. -
Never Leave Cooking Unattended
Stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling. If you need to step away, turn off the stove or ask someone to watch it. -
Deep Fry Turkeys Outdoors
Never use a turkey fryer inside your home, garage, or on a wooden deck. Always fry outdoors on a flat surface, far away from any structures. -
Never Use Water on a Grease Fire
Water can make a grease fire explode. Instead, smother the flames with a metal lid or use a Class B fire extinguisher. -
Store Fire Extinguishers Where You Can See Them
Keep your extinguisher mounted near the kitchen exit—not under the sink—so it’s easily accessible in an emergency.
Additional Fire Safety Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving
These Thanksgiving fire prevention tips, adapted from the NFPA, are essential for protecting children, pets, and guests during the holiday:
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Keep kids at least 3 feet away from hot stoves, steam, and food prep areas.
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Be mindful of cords from electric knives, slow cookers, or mixers—keep them out of children’s reach.
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Clear walkways to avoid tripping over bags, toys, or hot food.
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Never leave lit candles unattended or within reach of children.
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Test your smoke detectors before the big day. A working alarm can save lives.
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Lock up matches and lighters where kids can’t access them.
What to Do If a Fire Happens
Despite your best efforts, accidents can still happen. If your home suffers fire damage—whether minor smoke damage or a major structural fire—CCS Property Services is here to help.
We offer full-service fire restoration, including emergency cleanup, smoke and soot removal, structural drying, and complete build back services to restore your home to its original condition—or better.