Deep-frying a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner can be a tradition for some, a risky adventure for others, and an overall bad idea for many.
News of fast-spreading oil fires followed a deep-frying craze that spread from the South and across the country about a generation ago, when novice fryers often overloaded their outdoor containers, causing hot oil to spill or ignite if left in a heat wave ended up. propane burner.
So given the extraordinary drought and increased fire risk in New Jersey as Thanksgiving approaches, and with firefighters battling wildfires across the state, we thought it was fair to ask whether it was safe – or even legal – to use your fryer to light in the backyard for the holidays?
Jeffrey Paul, director of the Morris County Office of Emergency Management, said the law says you can do it, but for Pete’s sake, “safety first!”
“The issue of roasting turkeys as we get closer to Thanksgiving will not be curtailed because the cooking is done with propane and not an open flame,” Paul said. “However, this does not mean that anyone frying a turkey should not exercise extreme caution.”
Fried turkey dangers
Even under normal weather conditions, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and injuries in the United States, and according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the two days when cooking fires are most common are on Thanksgiving and the day before.
On Thanksgiving Day 2021, an estimated 1,160 home cooking fires were reported to officials across the country, a 297% increase over the daily average, according to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association. That year, emergency responders responded to about 170,000 home cooking fires nationwide, according to data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
With fire risk high during a record drought, New Jersey firefighters are hoping for a break and a quiet holiday, without alarms.
“As you well know, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and our mutual aid coordinators and fire departments in Morris County and throughout New Jersey have been extremely busy battling wildland fires and the fire risk continues to remain high,” Paul said. “All warnings, precautions and restrictions remain in effect.”
Fried turkey guidelines
That’s why Paul offers the following tips for a safe and juicy Thanksgiving:
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Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors, a safe distance from buildings and other flammable materials. “The location where you cook the turkey should be free of anything that could burn,” Paul said.
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Never use turkey fryers under a roof, in a garage or on a wooden patio.
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Make sure the fryers are used on a level surface to reduce the chance of accidental tipping.
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Safety first!
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Does Drought and Fire Danger in New Jersey Mean You Can’t Deep-Fry Your Turkey?
