Whether you smoke, bake, or deep-fry your turkey, the Wellington Fire Department is urging caution this Thanksgiving.
Capt. Bill Hellard said through Wellington is usually safe from holiday disasters, nationwide the trend of holiday fires is constant every year.
“There is an increase, especially when they use frozen turkeys in the deep fat fryers,” said Hellard.
A mid-western favorite preparation method of cooking the bird is deep-frying. Chefs like Martha Stewart and Emeril Lagasse have made deep-frying turkeys the newest holiday tradition.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.'s (UL) has deemed the fryers so dangerous, it has taken its coveted UL mark off of the products.
"We're worried by the increasing reports of fires related with turkey fryer use," said John Drengenberg, UL consumer affairs manager. "Based on our test findings, the fryers used to produce those great-tasting birds are not worth the risks. And, as a result of these tests, UL has decided not to certify any turkey fryers with our trusted UL mark."
UL claims many units easily tip over, spilling hot oil. Overfilling the pot will also cause oil to spill out, engulfing the entire unit while the sides of the pot get far to hot to handle, according to the company.
Hellard agrees saying though he’s never had to respond to a turkey fryer fire, they do pose a threat.
He said all fryers should be used outside in an area free from debris and any sort of housing, such as roofs or garages. Wooden decks are also a big no no, he said, as is using a frozen or even partially-frozen turkey which can cause the oil to sputter and boil.
Hellard doesn’t just see the deep fryers as threat, he said unattended ovens and stoves can also be dangerous.
“Watch what you are cooking, pay attention to it and don’t go off and leave it. Don’t get side tracked,” said Hellard.
The captain suggests always having a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen to react to small kitchen fires.
“It’s just always a good idea,” he said.
Though Wellington has had a good holiday record for fires, Hellard said a few years ago there was a holiday heat-up.
“We’ve been on fires on Thanksgiving Day,” Hellard said. Adding some advice to keep firemen away from your turkey.
“Remember what you are doing don’t get so carried away in the family events that you forget about your cooking,” he said.