The holidays are a time for family, food, and tradition. For many New Mexican families, that tradition includes deep-frying a turkey. While fried turkey is delicious, it also comes with serious fire risks. Each year, turkey fryer fires cause injuries, property damage, and emergency calls — especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas. To help keep your home and family safe, the fire and smoke damage restoration experts at American Restoration in Albuquerque, New Mexico, have put together this guide on safe turkey frying and holiday fire prevention.
Why Turkey Frying Can Be Dangerous
Cooking is the leading cause of residential fires in the U.S., accounting for 49% of all house fires. In New Mexico, fire departments receive the most cooking-related calls during the holidays, especially on Thanksgiving Day. Deep frying a turkey is more hazardous than roasting—large amounts of hot oil, high heat, and open flames create the perfect environment for disaster if you’re not prepared.
Fire-Safe Turkey Frying Tips
1. Fry Your Turkey Outside in a Safe Area
Always use turkey fryers outdoors, away from garages, patios, trees, or anything flammable. Set your fryer on flat, stable ground to prevent it from tipping over.
2. Thaw and Dry the Turkey Completely
A frozen or partially frozen turkey can cause a dangerous reaction when submerged in hot oil. Excess moisture leads to oil splatter or explosions, which can ignite flames. Make sure your turkey is fully thawed and patted dry–inside and out– before frying.
3. Avoid Overfilling with Oil
Too much oil can overflow when the turkey is lowered into the pot, causing hot oil to spill onto the burner and ignite. Test oil levels beforehand by placing the turkey in the empty pot and filling it with water to measure the correct amount. Be sure to dry the turkey!
4. Monitor the Oil Temperature
Use a cooking thermometer to maintain a safe temperature between 325°F and 350°F. If the oil overheats, it can catch fire in seconds. Never leave the fryer unattended.
5. Stay Focused — No Distractions
Holiday gatherings can get busy, but distraction is the leading cause of cooking fires. Assign someone to watch the fryer at all times. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the area at all times.
6. Wear Protective Gear
Protect yourself from burns by wearing long sleeves, heat-resistant gloves, and closed-toe shoes. Avoid loose clothing, aprons, or towels that could catch fire.
What to Do If a Turkey Fryer Fire Starts
- Never use water to extinguish a grease fire — it makes the flames spread.
- Use a Class K fire extinguisher or fire blanket if the fire is small and manageable.
- If the fire gets out of control, call 911 immediately and evacuate everyone to safety.
Holiday Fire Damage Restoration in Albuquerque, NM
Even when you take every precaution, accidents can still happen. If your home experiences smoke or fire damage this holiday season, American Restoration is here to help. Our certified team provides:
- 24/7 emergency fire damage response
- Smoke and soot cleanup
- Structural repairs and reconstruction
- Odor removal and air purification
- Assistance with insurance claims
As a trusted restoration company serving Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, and surrounding New Mexico communities, we help families recover quickly and safely after a fire.
Stay Safe and Enjoy the Holidays
A safely fried turkey is worth the effort — but safety should always come first. By following these turkey fryer safety tips, you can protect your home, your loved ones, and your holiday traditions.
If you have questions about fire safety, smoke cleanup, or fire damage restoration, contact American Restoration in Albuquerque today. We’re here for you every step of the way.
