Don’t be a turkey, fry safe this thanksgiving

  • Published
  • 39th Civil Engineer Squadron
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Hot oil and open flames combined often causes fires and disasters during the Thanksgiving holiday meal. But, for some, there is nothing better than a fast-roasted turkey in a hot oil fryer.

Every year there are countless stories on the news about fires due to deep frying a turkey only to have it get out of control. All because the chef of the day didn't follow the directions to safely cook the turkey. Often it's because the pan is filled with too much oil, or the turkey is too large, and when the turkey is placed into the fryer, the oil flows over the top of the pan and down onto the open flame. This accelerant allows the flames to reach the inner pan and before you know it, the whole pan, and possibly the garage roof, is ablaze.

Site selection and preparation are paramount when frying a turkey. Deep fryers should never be used within 10 feet of combustibles like houses, fences, and trees or inside buildings. The fryer should be placed on a level non-combustible cooking surface to keep it from tipping over.

The fryer should also be kept far away from any flammable materials. Never use a turkey deep fryer in an enclosed area or on wooden decks that can potentially catch fire. Always have an all-purpose fire extinguisher handy when cooking with this type of fryer. Keep children and pets far from the fryer area, and never leave the fryer unattended.

Since most deep fryers don't have thermostats to regulate the flame or temperature of the hot oil, the oil can overheat to its ignition point and cause the oil to burst into flames. A thermometer should always be placed in the oil to allow the operator the ability to control the flame, and thus the temperature of the oil.

Always make sure the turkey isn't frozen and is completely thawed before placing it in the hot oil. Frozen turkeys and hot, boiling oil don't mix. The turkey can actually explode, throwing hot oil in all directions and causing a fire.

The sides of the pan, handles, and the pan lid also become hot as the oil is heated. This can cause severe burns to hands and other parts of the body. This problem is amplified when someone suddenly drops the pan after they get burned. Make sure to use oven mitts when attempting to touch the pan handles. Wear long sleeves and safety glasses or goggles in order to avoid splattering oil. Remember, the oil stays hot long after you turn off the heat to the burner and the cooking isn't complete until the turkey is on the Thanksgiving table.

Call 112 immediately if a fire or accident does occur this holiday season.