8501 Veterans Highway Millersville, MD 21108
Phone (410) 222-8200  Fax (410) 987-2904

  County Executive Steven R. Schuh
Fire Chief Allan C. Graves
Media Release

November 20, 2018

Contact:  Captain Russ Davies
              410-222-8746 (Media Line)
Turkey Fryer Use by Consumers Comes with Risk

MILLERSVILLE, MD – The use of turkey fryers continues to be a popular way to prepare the Thanksgiving turkey. However, they present several hazards including the splashing or spilling of hot oil or the ignition of highly combustible heated oil. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) discourages the use of outdoor, gas-fueled turkey fryers and warns that the use of turkey fryers by consumers can lead to devastating burns, other injuries and the destruction of property. Since 2004, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is aware of 107 fire or burn incidents involving turkey fryers that have caused 47 injuries and $5.2 million in property loss. The NFPA urges those who prefer fried turkey to seek out professional establishments, such as grocery stores, specialty food retailers, and restaurants for the preparation of the dish, or consider a new type of "oil-less" turkey fryer.
Turkey fryers pose several dangers:

  • If the cooking pot is overfilled with oil, the oil may spill out and hit the burner/flames causing a fire to engulf the entire unit.
  • Partially frozen or wet turkeys placed into the fryer can cause a spillover effect. Again, causing extensive fire.
  • Hot oil may splash or spill at any point during the cooking process- when the fryer is jarred or tipped over, the turkey is placed in the fryer or removed, or the turkey is moved from the fryer to the table. Any contact between hot oil and skin could result in serious injury. Any contact between hot oil and nonmetallic materials could lead to serious damage.
  • With no thermostat controls, the units have the potential to overheat to the point of combustion.
  • The sides of the cooking pot, lid and pot handles get dangerously hot, posing severe burn hazards
  • Rain or snow will create problems with the hot oil and may require a backup plan if precipitation is in your holiday forecast
The following recommendations are offered to decrease the risk for those who choose to fry a turkey at home:

  • Keep outdoor fryers off decks, out of garages and a safe distance away from other structures and trees.
  • Keep outdoor fryers off decks, out of garages and a safe distance away from other structures and trees.
  • Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. Ice or water that mixes with the hot oil can cause flare-ups.
  • Watch the weather. Never operate a fryer outdoors in the rain or snow.
  • Place the fryer on a level surface, and avoid moving it once it’s in use.
  • Leave at least two feet between the tank and the burner when using a propane-powered fryer.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid overfilling. Oil can ignite when it makes contact with the burner.
  • Choose a turkey that is smaller than the maximum weight specified by the fryer manufacturer; a smaller turkey will cook more evenly and is safer
  • Never leave fryers unattended.
  • Purchase a fryer with temperature controls, and observe the oil temperature. Cooking oil that is heated beyond its smoke point can catch fire. If you notice the oil is smoking, turn the fryer off.
  • Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn the burner on.
  • Wear goggles to shield your eyes, use oven mitts to protect your hands and arms and keep a grease-rated fire extinguisher close by.
  • Keep children and pets away from the fryer at all times.
  • Once finished, carefully remove the pot from the burner, place it on a level surface and cover to let the oil cool overnight before disposal.
  • Opt for an oil-less fryer. Oil-less fryers use infrared heat, rather than oil, to cook the turkey.
Some fire safety practices are good year round. Install and ensure operation of smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home, including the basement. If you are hosting guests in your home, this Thanksgiving make sure that they know the escape plan and safe meeting area for your home. If you are a guest in someone’s home, know theirs.

Following these simple guidelines for fire and life safety will help to ensure a tragedy-free holiday meal.

If you have any information regarding fires or explosive incidents, please call (410)222-TIPS or use this form to submit an official report of any fire or explosive incident information.