FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Many who celebrate Thanksgiving enjoy eating their turkey fried, but Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue is offering tips to make sure the dangerous cooking method is done safely on the holiday.
On Friday morning, firefighters held a demonstration in Fort Lauderdale to show the safe way to fry a turkey.
Officials said the poultry needs to be thawed out and dry before being put into a fryer.
“When a frozen turkey is dropped in a fry pan or a vat of oil, the frozen material immediately converts to steam and causes the oil to boil over,” Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Chief Michael Kane said. “When the oil boils over, it gets ignited by the flame and causes a fire.”
Fryers should not be filled with an excessive amount of oil or else when the turkey is placed inside, the oil may overflow, come in contact with the flame and eventually cause an explosion.
“What was just demonstrated here was an explosion, really, of oil making contact with an open flame,” said Kane. “That fire was over 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. It could easily scar, could easily burn skin, could easily singe your hair. It could be very damaging to your body.”
Those who decide to deep-fry their turkeys should do so outside, at least ten feet away from any structures. Firefighters also said to avoid trees and overhang roofs.
Children and pets should be kept away from the fryer, and a fire extinguisher should be on hand nearby.
“Oil fires cannot be extinguished and should not be extinguished with water, so the recommendation is to have a fire extinguisher close by,” said Kane. “Keep in mind too, the clothing that you wear could ignite.”
Those who are cooking should wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, pants and gloves.
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