The State Fire Marshal’s Office Encourages Safe Holiday Cooking

With Thanksgiving leftovers and Christmas dinner preparation on its way, residents across Alaska will be working to cook holiday meals for their family and friends.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office and the U.S. Fire Administration urges everyone to stay safe this holiday season and remember to use caution while cooking holiday meals.

Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires, more than three times the cooking fires on any other day nationwide, according to a recent press release.

“The only thing worse than burning your turkey on Thanksgiving is burning down your home.” State Fire Marshal Lloyd Nakano stated I'm the press release. "It’s easy to get distracted by friends or football or get busy with other preparations. Pay attention to what is going on in your kitchen this Thanksgiving.”

Alaskan residents are advised to keep flammable materials at least three feet away from the cooking area, and they're also advised to exercise caution with long loose clothing that can come in contact with heat sources.

Always cook with a lid beside your pan. If you have a fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner until the pan is completely cool.

Alaskan chefs are also asked to never throw water on a cooking fire, never leave open flames unattended while cooking, avoid using the stove, stovetop, grill, or other cooking methods if you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, and to be extra cautious when using Turkey fryers, as the unsafe use of them can lead to severe burns, injuries, and fires.

Some grocery stores, food retailers, and restaurants often sell deep-fried turkeys that can be used as a safe alternative to frying one at home, and if you choose to deep fry your bird this year, be sure to follow the cooking instructions closely, always keep your deep fryer outside, never leave it unattended, and keep a class B fire extinguisher nearby.

For additional information on cooking safety, visit the U.S. Fire Administration: Cooking fire safety outreach materials (fema.gov)

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com