Illinoisans urged to think fire safety on holiday

SPRINGFIELD — Thanksgiving is the day of the year when the most home cooking fires occur, and the Illinois state fire marshal is urging people to be safe in the kitchen next week.

In particular, fire officials are warning of the danger of turkey fryers, which they say cause more than 1,000 fires each year and more than $15 million in property damage.

According to State Farm Insurance, Illinois ranked second in the nation in the number of claims involving grease and cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day between 2007 and 2011.

The fire marshal is advising those using turkey fryers to keep them outdoors and away from walls, fences or other structures.

The United States Fire Administration discourages the use of outdoor propane-fueled turkey fryers that immerse the turkey in hot oil.