Las Vegas Fire & Rescue is reminding residents to practice safe cooking habits as Thanksgiving approaches — the single busiest day of the year for home cooking fires nationwide.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving generates more than three times the daily average number of cooking fires. Christmas Day and Christmas Eve follow as the second- and third-highest days for kitchen-related fire incidents. Nationally, cooking activity accounts for 80% of structure fires on Thanksgiving, and those fires are responsible for 40% of all civilian injuries during the holiday. NFPA reported no civilian deaths during Thanksgiving cooking fires between 2019 and 2023, but officials warn that risks remain significant.

Jordan Moore, spokesperson for Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, said the department typically sees a noticeable spike in preventable kitchen emergencies this time of year.

“People are multitasking, entertaining, and preparing big meals. All it takes is one moment of distraction for a fire to start,” Moore said.

Key Safety Tips for Holiday Cooking

Fire officials recommend several simple precautions to reduce the chance of a dangerous kitchen fire:

• Wear safe clothing: Avoid loose-fitting garments or long, dangling sleeves that could brush against heat sources.
• Stay in the kitchen: Never leave stovetop cooking unattended. Turn off burners if stepping away.
• Create a child-free zone: Keep children at least three feet away from stoves, hot liquids, or heated surfaces.
• Smother grease fires: If a fire ignites in a pan, slide a lid over it to starve the flames and immediately turn off the burner. Never move the pan.
• Handle oven fires correctly: Shut off the oven and leave the door closed until the fire has burned out completely.

Deep-Fried Turkey Safety

Turkey deep-frying remains a popular cooking method, but officials warn it can also be one of the most hazardous if done incorrectly.

Las Vegas Fire & Rescue urges residents to follow these steps:

• Fully thaw and dry the turkey: Moisture interacting with hot oil can lead to violent splatter and flash fires.
• Fry outdoors only: Turkey fryers must be set up outside — not in a garage — and placed at least 10 feet from buildings or vehicles.
• Maintain safe oil temperatures: Keep oil heated between 325°F and 350°F and monitor it continuously with a cooking thermometer.
• Stay attentive: Avoid distractions and remain focused throughout the frying process.
• Wear protective gear: Use goggles and oven mitts to shield your eyes and hands from hot oil.
• Keep a fire extinguisher close: Always have the proper extinguisher on hand in case of an emergency.

Moore said the department’s goal is to ensure families enjoy a safe and incident-free holiday season. “A few precautions can make all the difference,” he said.

Residents seeking additional safety information can visit LasVegasNevada.gov or follow Las Vegas Fire & Rescue on social media for holiday updates.