URGENT UPDATE: As families across San Antonio gear up for Thanksgiving, fire officials are urgently reminding residents to prioritize kitchen safety. The San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) has reported that most holiday cooking accidents are both predictable and preventable.
According to Joe Arrington, SAFD’s public information officer, “A lot of times the fires we see are unattended cooking in the kitchen.” He highlighted common causes, including pots left boiling and accidental spills that can quickly lead to dangerous situations.
Local residents are also stepping up to share their safety strategies. Angela and Robert Saldana emphasize the importance of teamwork in the kitchen, dividing tasks to minimize chaos: “My dad does the turkey, my mother does the stuffing, and everyone kind of has their own part,” Robert explained. “So nobody crosses that line, at least in our kitchen.”
In an effort to prepare for any emergencies, Happie Wedzina has invested in a fire blanket. Meanwhile, Laurie Zapata warns against the dangers of deep-frying turkeys, stating, “Don’t ever deep fry a turkey anywhere. I’m terrified of that happening.”
For those planning to deep-fry a turkey this year, SAFD offers critical advice: ensure the turkey is completely thawed and dry before submerging it in oil. “Keep kids and pets away from it,” Arrington cautioned. He also stressed the importance of having a fire extinguisher nearby: “Don’t use water to put out a grease fire; it’s not a good combination.”
Arrington noted that while deep-frying accidents are infrequent in San Antonio, caution is always advised. “Whether it’s a good thing or not, we kind of know how to fry things here,” he said. “We don’t see a lot of these. We do see them occasionally. It’s been years.”
With Thanksgiving approaching, both novice and seasoned cooks are urged to stay vigilant. “Everybody just wants to make sure that you stay safe, as far with the knives, no kids around,” Robert Saldana advised. “You want to stay prepared for what could possibly happen on a busy day like that.”
As the holiday draws near, Arrington reminds everyone to take a moment to check on their cooking, stating, “We want everyone to be safe and have a great Thanksgiving spent with their loved ones and friends, but take that second to remember what’s in or on the stove and just be safe.”
Stay tuned for more updates and remember to prioritize safety as you celebrate this Thanksgiving.
