Thanksgiving is a day of gratitude, family, and delicious feasts, but for some, it’s also a time to reflect on the mishaps that can happen, like a turkey fryer fire. While safety is crucial during the holiday, the type of turkey you choose plays an equally important role in making the day special. Most families prepare specific breeds of turkeys for Thanksgiving, each selected for its flavor, price, and suitability for traditional recipes.
A famous breed of bird, the Broad Breasted White turkey, is very popular in places not only because it is deliciously flavorful and economically less expensive but also because of its size. It is very massive and provides plenty of white meat, making it quite palatable on holiday tables. Usually used for roasting, baking, steaming, or frying, these breeds are only raised for their full breast meat. Pricing is usually around $1.50-$2.00 per pound. Hence, it is cost-effective when it comes to feeding large crowds.
What Causes a Turkey Fryer Fire?
Deep-frying turkey is now a popular method of cooking during Thanksgiving because of the flavor it gives to the turkey and its speedy cooking time. However, ignoring this has some really serious disasters that go hand in hand with it. Two primary factors contribute to a turkey fryer fire:
- Oil Overflows and Combustion
Pouring excessive oil into the fryer pot is the most common mistake. When the turkey is lowered into the oil, especially if it is not thawed completely, the displacement of oil will cause it to flow over. The hot oil could spill on open flames or heating elements and incur an instant ignition. - Frozen or Wet Turkeys
Placing a frozen or even slightly wet turkey into hot oil can be disastrous. The heat causes water to expand rapidly into steam, creating an explosive reaction that can send flaming oil several feet into the air. - Improper Setup
Frying a turkey too close to structures like garages, porches, or overhangs is a fire hazard. Flames or oil splatters can ignite nearby materials like leaves, wood, or walls. - Unattended Frying
Leaving fryers alone, even briefly, boosts the risk of a mishap. Fryers run at very high heat, making them likely to catch fire if anything fails. - Faulty Equipment
Accidents are always around the corner when fryers are poorly maintained and/or not properly assembled. Faulty propane tanks, cracked hoses, or rusted burners? Such are accidents yearning to happen.
Stop Turkey Fryer Fires Before They Start!
Turkey fryer fires can be avoided by frying outdoors at a distance of at least 10 feet from any structure or flammable material, never indoors or in enclosed spaces such as garages. Check the fryer with water first to determine the correct amount of oil and guarantee it will not overflow. Know that the turkey must be thawed and dried; introducing very much moisture or partially frozen birds into the hot oil may react in a destructive manner. Monitoring the fryer at all times will help ensure that the oil is maintained at a safe temperature using a thermometer. Finally, keep a Class K fire extinguisher handy, never put out an oil fire with water, but cover the flames with a metal lid or reach for the fire extinguisher.
Selling Fire-Damaged Homes After a Turkey Fryer Fire
Accidents like the recent Weston turkey fryer fire not only ruin Thanksgiving celebrations but also leave homeowners dealing with the aftermath of property damage. Homes that have suffered fire damage often face challenges in the real estate market, but there are solutions.
Homeowners who wonder who buys fire damaged homes need to look at niche buyers. Real estate investors or cash home-buying firms buy damaged property. They often pay cash, take homes “as-is,” and do needed repairs. This can be a good choice for sellers who want to skip the cost and stress of fixing the home.
If you’ve had a fire and think of selling, be open. State the damage, repairs needed, and any upgrades done since the fire. Working with experts in fire-damaged homes can ease the process.
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