Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 25, 2025) — With Thanksgiving being the most fire-prone day of the year and the peak day for home cooking fires, the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is joining with the City of Las Vegas to urge caution when preparing the big dinner, as many kitchen fires can be easily avoided by staying attentive while cooking.

“Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday, and we want everyone to celebrate it safely,” said Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley. “I urge all Las Vegas residents to take extra precautions in the kitchen and ensure their smoke alarms are working. Together, we can prevent unnecessary tragedies and make this holiday season one to remember for all the right reasons.”

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that more home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. In 2024, an estimated 1,800 home cooking fires were reported to U.S. fire departments on Thanksgiving nationwide, nearly a 400% increase above the average daily number of fires. Between 2018 and 2024, there was an annual average of three and a half times more cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day than on a typical day of the year.

“Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude and celebration, but it’s also a day when distractions in the kitchen can lead to devastating fires,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “By staying attentive and following a few simple safety tips, we can all enjoy a safer holiday.”

The Red Cross offers these essential cooking safety tips:

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking or frying food and check it regularly.
• Keep flammable items like dishtowels, bags and paper away from the stove.
• Ensure children and pets stay at least three feet away from cooking areas.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
• If smoke or grease starts to boil, turn off the burner and carefully remove the pan using an oven mitt.
• Keep a pan lid or cookie sheet nearby to smother a pan fire. Leave it covered until completely cooled.
• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove to prevent accidental spills.
• Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
• Before going to bed or leaving home, double-check that all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.

Turkey Fryer Safety
Deep frying a turkey on Thanksgiving significantly increases the risk of severe burns and fires, as turkey fryers use large amounts of oil at extremely high temperatures. Fire departments here in Southern Nevada and across the country strongly advise against using a turkey fryer, recommending safer alternatives like purchasing a pre-fried turkey or using an oil-free fryer.

Deep-frying turkeys results in an average of 5 deaths, 60 injuries, and over $15 million in property damage each year.

Follow these safety tips when frying a turkey:

• Fryers should always be used outdoors, on a solid level surface a safe distance from buildings and flammable materials.
• Never use a fryer inside or on a wooden deck, under a patio cover, or in a garage.
• Do not overfill a fryer.
• Never leave a fryer unattended because, without thermostat controls, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
• Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use or after use as the oil can remain hot for hours.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before it is placed in a fryer.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts and wear long sleeves and safety goggles to protect from splatter.

Supporting Southern Nevadans Affected by Home Fires
Home fires are the most common disaster in the U.S., and the Red Cross of Southern Nevada is committed to helping families prepare and recover. This year alone, the Red Cross has responded to over 225 home fires in Southern Nevada, assisting nearly 1,100 people with emotional support, financial aid and recovery resources.

To further reduce the risk of home fires, the Red Cross offers free smoke alarm installations and fire safety education through its Sound the Alarm program. Residents can schedule an appointment at SoundTheAlarm.org/Nevada.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.