Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals, but it also brings with it an increased risk of cooking-related fires that can pose serious dangers to loved ones. In light of this, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) are urging residents to implement extra safety measures in the kitchen as they prepare for the Thanksgiving Day celebrations scheduled for Thursday, November 28th.
Recent statistics from the National Fire Protection Association reveal that Thanksgiving is the day when home-cooking fires peak across the United States, with incidents occurring at a rate more than three times the daily average. In Tennessee, cooking fires are the leading cause of residential fires. Data from the Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System indicates that cooking equipment was implicated in over 18.54% of all reported house fires in the state during 2023. These incidents resulted in approximately $9.5 million in direct property damage, along with 27 injuries to civilians and 7 injuries to firefighters.
As families prepare to enjoy their Thanksgiving feasts, it is crucial to remain vigilant and prioritize fire safety in the kitchen.