Fire and rescue to hold turkey fryer demonstration
Madison Fire and Rescue would like to make residents aware of the dangers and safety precautions associated with frying a turkey this holiday season.
A live-demonstration showing the fire hazards associated with turkey fryers will be held at Madison Fire Station 1 located at 101 Mill Road Monday Nov. 21 at 9 a.m.
Gas-fired turkey fryers account for many fires and burn injuries nationwide each year. A violent fire can erupt when the hot oil becomes ignited by the burner flame. These fires can be caused by oil spillover when the turkey is placed in the pot. Partially frozen and “wet” turkeys placed in the fryer create a significant “splattering” of oil and spillover that could create an extensive fire. Contact with splattering of oil and dangerously hot pot handles can cause significant burn injuries.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that turkey fryers that use oil are “not suitable for acceptable safe use by even a well-informed and careful consumer.” Because of the risks, there are no gas-fired turkey fryers that are certified for safe use by Underwriters Laboratory (UL). Residents should consider the new “oil-less” turkey fryers as a safer alternative.
If you must fry a turkey this year, please us the following tips:
* Make sure turkey fryers are located at least 10 feet from homes, garages and porches.
* Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks, balconies or inside garages.
* Set fryer on flat surface to prevent tipping.
* Never leave fryer unattended. Most fryers do not have thermostat controls and oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
* Keep children and pets away from fryers. The oil can remain dangerously hot for hours after use.
* Do not overfill fryer to avoid spillover.
* Use oven mitts or pot holder when touching lids and handles. Safety goggles are recommended to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
* Make sure your turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water do not mix and can cause a spillover and catch fire.
* Keep an all-purpose ABC fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it. Never use water to extinguish an oil/grease fire. If the fire is manageable and you think you can extinguish it, use your ABC fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, call 9-1-1 immediately so the fire department can respond.
Madison Fire and Rescue would like to encourage all residents to have a safe and “fire-free” Thanksgiving Holiday.
