Fire crews around East Texas respond to hundreds of kitchen fires over the holidays.
The Longview Fire Department wants to help save lives and that Thanksgiving bird too, which is why firefighters put on a turkey frying demonstration.
Longview Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary said the department responds to about 50 cooking fires every year, mostly around the holidays. A nationwide survey of fire departments lists cooking and kitchen fires as the third most deadly type of fire. Zackary shared tips for staying safe this holiday season including testing equipment before preparing a meal and never leave items cooking unattended.
"There are several times a year we go out and no one's home they're still cooking and at the store," Zackary said.
Zackary said for East Texans frying turkeys, it's critical to set up away from covered areas or wood decks. He says for added safety, cook away from people and pets. He explained how the demonstration put on by firefighters looked like several calls the department has responded to over the years.
"We responded to people's garages where they've actually been frying a turkey in a garage or on a deck, and does lead to a big problem besides it can damage a structure there's the burn injuries," Zackary said.
He added that frozen turkeys or items not properly dried will lead to boil-overs. Zackary said the common reaction someone might have to a cooking fire may put them in greater danger.