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Cooking Fires Surge 388% on Thanksgiving
Holiday Cooking Sparks 52% of Home Fires, 36% of Home Fire Injuries
Post Date:11/21/2025 10:10 AM
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Beth Cefalu, |
Cooking Fires Surge 388% on Thanksgiving
Holiday Cooking Sparks 52% of Home Fires, 36% of Home Fire Injuries
NEW CITY, NY, - According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is the peak day of the year for home cooking fires with more than three times the daily average. Unattended cooking has been the leading cause of those cooking fires and fire-related deaths during the holiday season.
As you prepare your Thanksgiving meal, the Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) urges residents to follow these cooking safety tips from the NFPA:
- Stay in the Kitchen & the House: Never leave anything cooking on the stovetop or in the oven unattended. This includes toaster ovens, air fryers, microwaves, grills, and other cooking means.
- Keep Flammable Items Away: Keep all materials away from heat sources.
- Be Cautious with Kids: Supervise children and keep them away from the stove, hot foods & liquids, lit candles, matches and lighters, and wrap dangling electric cords.
- Check Your Smoke Alarms: Before cooking, ensure your smoke alarms are in proper working condition. Test smoke alarms monthly & replace every 10 years or if it stops responding.
“Thanksgiving should be a time to give thanks and enjoy the company of family and friends. Take a few simple precautions in the kitchen and around the home to help ensure a happy and safe holiday for all,” said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health.
“Every home should have working smoke alarms, especially on a day filled with cooking. Smoke alarms save lives, so make sure yours are tested and operational before the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Christopher Kear, Fire Coordinator and Director of the Rockland County Office of Fire and Emergency Services.
The Rockland County Healthy Neighborhoods Program offers FREE smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to eligible residents. For more information, call (845) 364-3290 or email healthyneighborhoods@co.rockland.ny.us.
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