State Fire Marshal’s Office Reminds Tennesseans to Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen for Thanksgiving

As families across Tennessee gather for Thanksgiving Day feasts on Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office remind Tennesseans that the recipe for a safe celebration includes fire-safe cooking habits.  In Tennessee, 27 percent of reported home structure fires in 2020 involved cooking equipment. Those 1,624 fires resulted in 13 civilian fatalities, 58 civilian injuries, 10 firefighter injuries and over $7 million in direct property damage. To avoid a cooking fire this year, stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling. If you have to leave the room, even for a moment, turn off the stove’s burners. Never consume alcohol while cooking. And never let children or pets near the fryer, even if it is not in use. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot for hours after use. You can find these and other cooking safety tips at tn.gov.