Photo: Getty Images
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — As Mass. Residents gear up for Thanksgiving, fire officials from the state have put out a few words of caution.
The Department of Fire Services said there were more than 700 Thanksgiving Day fires since 2018, almost double the next closest day.
“Almost all cooking fires can be prevented. The leading cause of cooking fires in Massachusetts and nationwide is unattended cooking,” said Jake Wark with the Department of Fire Services.
Another major contributor to Thanksgiving Day fires has been deep-fried Turkeys. Back in 2020 in New Bedford, a turkey fryer exploded and caused several severe injuries, displacing almost 30 people from their homes.
“They just aren’t safe enough in their current design form to use in a residential area,” said Wark.
If a greasy pan catches fire, Wark said to put a lid on it, as water on a grease fire could make it even bigger.
“We all enjoy a nice moist turkey, but that moisture is actually going to contribute to the fire hazard. It will turn to steam, that steam will displace oil, oil will run down the side and, of course, go up in flames,” said Wark.
For more tips, visit the Department of Fire Services website.
WBZ’s Chaiel Schaffel (@CschaffelWBZ) reports:
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App | TikTok