Stay Safe This Thanksgiving: Turkey Fryer and Kitchen Safety Tips from Santa Barbara County Fire Department

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Santa Barbara, CA – Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and gratitude, but it’s also one of the busiest days for firefighters. Cooking-related fires and injuries, including those caused by turkey fryers, are common during the holiday season. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department (SBCFD) reminds residents to prioritize safety in the kitchen and around turkey fryers to ensure a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Turkey fryers can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly. The risk of burns, fires, and explosions increases when these devices are used incorrectly. If you must use a turkey fryer, SBCFD urges you to take these important safety precautions:

• Always use turkey fryers outdoors and at a safe distance from buildings, wooden decks, garages, and other flammable materials.
• Hot oil can splash and cause serious injuries. Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves, pants, closed-toe shoes, oven mitts, and, if possible, safety goggles.
• Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before frying. Frozen or partially frozen turkeys can cause dangerous oil spillovers or explosions.
• Do not overfill the fryer with oil—follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Never leave the fryer unattended. Most turkey fryers don’t have built-in thermostat controls, so the oil can overheat and catch fire.
• Keep children and pets away from the fryer, even when it’s not in use. The oil inside can stay dangerously hot for hours.
• Always have a Class B fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water on a grease fire—it can make the fire worse. If the fire is too large to manage, call 911 immediately. If you’re looking for safer ways to cook your turkey this year, try air fryers or oven roasting. Both options reduce the risks associated with turkey fryers while still delivering a delicious meal. Serving the cities of Buellton, Goleta, and Solvang, and the Communities of Casmalia, Cuyama, Gaviota, Hope Ranch, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Mission Canyon, Mission Hills, Orcutt, Santa Maria, Sisquoc, and Vandenberg Village

Additional Kitchen Safety Tips

While turkey fryers pose specific risks, kitchen fires can happen even during routine cooking. Here are some simple ways to keep your kitchen safe this Thanksgiving:

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking, especially when using the stovetop. Unattended cooking is a leading cause of house fires.
• Keep flammable items like dish towels, paper towels, and oven mitts away from open flames and stovetops.
• Use a timer to remind yourself when food is cooking, particularly when using the oven.
• Turn pot handles inward to prevent spills and keep them out of children’s reach.
• If a small stove fire occurs, slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the burner. Never move a burning pan. Thanksgiving should be a time to celebrate, not a time to call 911. With a little preparation and awareness, you can help keep yourself, your family, and your community safe. From all of us at the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, we wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving!