Why does deep frying a turkey cause fires?

The second major cause of turkey fires is from attempting to deep fry a frozen turkey. The ice on the frozen turkey quickly turns to steam when it comes into contact with the hot oil. The steam rapidly expands, creating bubbles and quickly throwing hot foaming oil all over the place.

How many house fires come from frying turkeys?

Each year, fire departments respond to more than 1,000 fires related to deep fryers. Those fires cause serious burn injuries and more than $15 million in property damage.

Why do frying turkeys explode?

The reason frozen turkeys explode, at its core, has to do with differences in density. There is a difference in density between oil and water and differences in the density of water between its solid, liquid, and gas states. When these density differences interact in just the right way, you get an explosion.

Is deep frying a turkey safe?

Deep-fat turkey fryers are extremely dangerous because they run a high risk of spilling hot oil, tipping over, and overheating; all of which can lead to burns, fires, and other injuries.

How do you prevent turkey fires?

How to Prevent Turkey Fryer Fires and Injuries

1. Only use your turkey fryer outdoors on a sturdy, level surface well away from people, pets, and combustible things.
2. Don’t overfill the cooking pot.
3. Ensure your turkey is completely defrosted before you fry it to prevent hot oil from splattering.

Why do frozen turkeys explode when deep fried?

The vast majority of these accidents happen because people put frozen turkeys into boiling oil. There is a difference in density between oil and water and differences in the density of water between its solid, liquid and gas states. When these density differences interact in just the right way, you get an explosion.

Why do turkeys catch on fire?

Often people fill the fryer too high and the scorching oil can splash and/or overflow when the turkey is dipped into it. So, if bumped, the incredibly hot oil can spill, causing oil burns and/or a fire.

What can go wrong deep frying a turkey?

The Cosumnes Fire Department warns that cooking with deep fat turkey fryers can be very dangerous as they have a high risk of tipping over, overheating, spilling hot oil, and could lead to fires, burns, or other injuries. If a turkey fryer fire occurs, call 911 immediately.

Can you fry a turkey in the house?

An indoor deep fryer is a great means of frying a turkey without having to set up outside. Check that your indoor turkey fryer is large enough to accommodate your bird. Add cooking oil to the fryer to just below the maximum fill line. Leave a bit of room for the oil to raise once the turkey is submerged.

How do turkeys catch on fire?

Can a turkey catch fire in the oven?

Oven baked turkeys can also ignite, but it’s rare. If that should happen, try to snuff out the flames with a lid while it’s still in the oven. A portable fire extinguisher should be used if the flames are too large to manage.

Can turkey fryers cause a fire?

Turkey fryers can easily tip over, spilling the hot oil onto anyone nearby. Most turkey fryers do not have an automatic thermostat control. Because of this, the oil can overheat to the point of combustion and cause a fire.

How many people die from deep frying a Turkey?

According to the National Fire Protection Association: deep fryer fires cause an average of 5 deaths, 60 injuries and more than $15 million in property damage each year. Deep-frying turkeys has become increasingly popular, but the new tradition is a recipe for holiday tragedy.

Why does my turkey fryer tip over?

Turkey fryers tip easily, spilling their contents, and causing oil to ignite. Overfilling the fryer is common. The oil spills out of the pot when the turkey is placed in the fryer, engulfing the whole unit in flames. With no thermostat controls, the oil is prone to overheating to the combustion point.

What are the safety tips for deep frying a Turkey?

Ensure the turkey is COMPLETELY THAWED to prevent a fire or explosion hazard. Raise and lower the turkey slowly to prevent oil splatter, burns, and fire. Keep children and pets away from the fryer to prevent tipping, even after the turkey is done. The oil is dangerously hot for hours. Use your safety tools: Oven mitts, gloves, and safety goggles.