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

SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 26, 2024) — With Thanksgiving being the most fire-prone day of the year and the peak day for home cooking fires, the American Red Cross of Utah is urging caution when preparing the big dinner, as many kitchen fires can be easily avoided by staying attentive while cooking.

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 2022, an estimated 1,610 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 2022, 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 busy holiday, with multiple dishes being prepared simultaneously, numerous guests, and various distractions that can lead to oversight of what’s on the stove or in the oven,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah Chapter. “Just a few extra moments of caution can help ensure safer holidays.”

To promote safety, the Red Cross recommends the following cooking tips:

• When cooking or frying a turkey or other items, stay close and check regularly. Most cooking fires are caused by unattended cooking.
• Move items that can burn away from the stove, including dishtowels, bags, boxes and paper.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
• If you see smoke or if the grease starts to boil when frying food, turn the burner off and carefully remove the pan from the burner using an oven mitt.
• Keep a pan lid or a cookie sheet nearby to smother a pan fire. Leave it covered until completely cooled.
• Turn pot handles towards 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, check the kitchen to ensure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.

Supporting Utahns Affected by Home Fires
Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers and staff frequently respond to home fires, providing immediate assistance to affected families. Home fires are the nation’s most common disaster. This year, the Red Cross of Utah staff and volunteers have responded to nearly 150 home fires, aiding over 650 people by offering emotional support, financial assistance and valuable recovery information. Last year, our team supported almost 800 residents affected by nearly 200 home fires and installed more than 550 free smoke alarms.

To address the ongoing threat of home fires, the Red Cross of Utah continues working with community partners to provide free smoke alarms and fire safety education. Residents interested in fire prevention assistance can schedule an appointment for free smoke alarm installation at SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah. During home visits, Red Cross volunteers and community partners share vital information on home fire safety, prevention strategies, actions to take during a fire, and guidance on creating evacuation plans for all occupants, including pets.

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.