Thanksgiving is one of the peak days for cooking fires — which is the top cause of home fires in the U.S. Safely enjoy the holiday by keeping an eye on what you fry.

ANCHORAGE, Nov. 22, 2024 - Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries and the second leading cause of home fire deaths. Cooking causes an average of 158,400 home fires per year, which is 44% percent of all home fires in the U.S.

COOKING SAFETY TIPS: 

• Unattended cooking was the leading factor contributing to cooking fires and deaths. Never leave cooking food unattended. If you need to leave the kitchen, even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.   
• Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oveni s on.
• Don’t wear loose clothing or sleeves that dangle while cooking.
• Keep kids and pets away from the cooking area. Make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.  
• Keep anything that can catch fire - pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels, or curtains - away from your stove, oven, or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat. 
• Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.  
• Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
• Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.
• You can also help keep your family safe by testing your smoke alarms monthly and practicing your two-minute home fire escape drill.

Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,196 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country.

Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to practice with your family. You can also download our free Emergency app (search “American Red Cross” in app stores).