Thanksgiving fire warning as chiefs caution against exploding turkeys - how to avoid it

Fire departments have warned against exploding turkeys for Thanksgiving.

The National Fire Protection Association revealed Thanksgiving remains the most popular day for home fires - with emergency services responding to over a 1,000 fires each year.

Fire departments said the cause of fires on Thanksgiving is mostly down to deep fryers, which cause more than $15million (£12million) in property damage.

Ahead of the US national holiday, emergency services are having to issue timely reminders for cooks on how to avoid devastating fires.

Alabama State Fire Marshal, Scott Pilgreen, said that although fires are often common when cooking, people should remain cautious and attentive in the kitchen.

He told KKTV : “I would say whatever you’re doing, whether it be in the kitchen, or something outside, on the grill, turkey fryer, whatever you’re doing, do not leave it unattended."

Cooks can get distracted when trying to entertain family members which can end up causing fires (Getty Images)

One of the biggest factors of Thanksgiving fires is distractions, as children, friends and family can often make you forget how long until a turkey needs to cooked for.

Mr Pilgreen said it was important to keep fryers a safe distance away from homes in order to stop valuable items being caught on fire.

Turkeys can end up on fire if left unattended (Getty Images)

In addition, he warned it's important to make sure the bird is properly defrosted before entering the turkey in boiling grease.

He said: “You want the holidays to be a festive time, a joyous time with all your families and friends.

“You do not want something that is totally preventable to create a tragic event.”

The firefighter recommended to keep a fire extinguisher nearby and for smaller fires to use baking soda or salt when trying to put out a grease fire.

People should remain cautious and attentive in the kitchen, according to fire services (Getty Images)

Fire Department top tips

• Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages
• Make sure fryer is a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
• Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls.
• The oil can continue to heat until it catches fire.
• Never let children or pets near the fryer. Even after use, never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer.
• Do not overfill the fryer.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles.
• If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades.
• Oil and water don’t mix, and water causes oil to spill over, causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby.
• Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.