Fire experts warn of turkey fryer dangers

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Carl Norman
  • Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFPN) --  No one was injured when an out-of-control turkey fryer recently caused a base housing fire at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, but the blaze resulted in an estimated $120,000 worth of damage.

Patrick Vega, assistant base fire chief at Hill, deemed the housing unit where the fire originated a total loss. He said the fire caused light to moderate smoke damage to the adjacent duplex unit.

Although no one was injured, the Hill fire prompted Mr. Vega and Air Force Materiel Command safety experts to emphasize the dangers turkey fryers pose.

Turkey fryers are devices, resembling a very large commercial coffee pot, that are filled with oil heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and above. People place turkeys in this hot oil to fry the birds.

"People just don't realize the hazards associated with turkey fryers," Mr. Vega said. "More often than not, people fill the fryers too full and they overflow when the bird is placed inside.

"As a result, the overflowing oil hits the heating flames below and catches the device and items surrounding it on fire,” he said. “This melts the hose feeding propane to it which allows raw propane to feed directly into the fire, causing it to spread extremely quickly. People can have a fire that is out of control before they know it.”

Mr. Vega said people should try to avoid using these fryers because they are very dangerous. Besides putting in too much oil, Mr. Vega said the devices are simply too unstable.

"They're very easy to tip over," he said. "You don't want that, especially if you have children or pets running around."

Officials from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said since 1998, 75 incidents involving fires, flames or burns associated with turkey fryers have been reported.

John Drengenberg, Underwriters Laboratories consumer affairs manager, said he fears people using turkey fryers are sacrificing safety for good taste.

"Based on our test findings, the fryers used to produce those great-tasting birds are not worth the risks," Mr. Drengenberg said. "And, as a result of these tests, UL has decided not to certify any turkey fryers with our trusted UL mark."

According to UL experts and Mr. Vega, here are more reasons why using a deep-fryer can be dangerous:

-- Partially frozen turkeys placed into the fryer can cause a spillover effect. This may result in an extensive fire.

-- With no thermostat controls, the units also have the potential to overheat the oil to the point of combustion.

-- The sides of the cooking pot, lid and pot handles get dangerously hot, posing severe burn hazards.

But for those people who want to use turkey fryers, UL officials and Mr. Vega offer some tips to lessen the danger:

-- Always use turkey fryers outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other material that can burn.

-- Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages.

-- Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.

-- Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If people do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.

-- Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use. Even after use, never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot for hours after use.

-- To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.

-- Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect eyes from oil splatter.

-- Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water do not mix, and water causes oil to spill over, causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.

-- Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. If the fire is manageable, use an all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call 9-1-1 for help.

-- The National Turkey Federation recommends refrigerator thawing and to allow about 24 hours for every 5 pounds of bird thawed in the refrigerator.

Besides never leaving turkey fryers unattended, Mr. Vega recommends turning off the device's heating regulator and the propane tank flow valve when shutting down.

He emphasized that people can never be too careful.

"When oil starts smoking, it's very close to igniting and when that happens the rest is history," he said.

Charles Pyron of Air Force Materiel Command's safety office recommends filling the pot halfway with water and putting the turkey in that. Once the bird is taken out, people can see how much oil they will need to safely cook. He also recommended using the proper tools to keep from getting burned or accidentally starting a fire. (Courtesy of AFMC News Service)