Tinker Fire demonstrates dangers of deep-frying turkey

  • Published
  • By Clayton Cummins

00:48
VIDEO | 00:48 | Tinker Fire demonstrates dangers of deep-frying turkey

Tis the season for delicious feasts! Throughout the years, deep-fried turkey has become a popular choice for its crispy skin and juicy meat. While the cooking method can bring delicious results, it can also lead to disaster.

Attempting to deep-fry a frozen or partially frozen turkey can lead to severe injuries or death, and significant property damage if not done correctly.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, each year there are more than three times the daily average of home cooking fires around Thanksgiving.

“We want to make sure that when we are cooking, especially with deep fryers, that we are being safe to avoid anyone getting injured or killed,” said Tinker fire inspector, Adrian Jaramillo.

As part of a 552nd Air Control Wing safety stand down day, Tinker Fire & Emergency Services demonstrated for Airmen the dangers of improperly using a turkey fryer.

Fire officials heated cooking oil to 250°F and dumped a small cup of water into it resulting in a large burst of flames.

“Safety is extremely important so please make sure that you know how to deep fry a turkey properly,” said Jaramillo. “If you don’t know how, please feel free to reach out and ask.”

For more information or to ask further questions, contact the Tinker Fire Department at (405) 734-3971.

The National Fire Protection Association has provided additional holiday cooking tips:

  • Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top so you can keep an eye on the food.
  • Stay in the home when cooking your turkey, and check on it frequently.
  • Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.
  • Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
  • Keep knives out of the reach of children.
  • Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
  • Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
  • Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
  • Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
  • Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button
  • For deep frying a turkey:
    • Choose a location away from structures and homes.
    • Never leave the turkey fryer unattended
    • Avoid wearing loose clothing
    • Keeping a fire extinguisher readily available is highly recommended; baking soda is a good substitute
    • Have a lid readily available to smother the fire
    • Call 911 in case of a fire