News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ocean Pines, MD — As families across the region gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD) is reminding residents that cooking remains the leading cause of home fires during the holiday season. With a few simple precautions, families can enjoy a safe and memorable holiday.

Thanksgiving consistently sees a spike in kitchen-related fires, often caused by unattended cooking, grease fires, and improper turkey frying techniques. OPVFD encourages everyone to take extra care while preparing holiday meals and to make safety a priority.

Thanksgiving Cooking Safety Tips

-Stay in the kitchen when frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food.

-Keep flammable items—such as towels, oven mitts, and food packaging—away from stovetops.

-Turn pot handles inward to reduce the risk of spills and burns.

-Keep children and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas.

-If a small grease fire occurs, turn off the heat and cover the pan with a lid—never use water.

Turkey Fryer Safety Reminders

-Always use turkey fryers outdoors, at least 10 feet away from buildings, decks, and flammable materials.

-Ensure turkeys are completely thawed and dry before frying to prevent flare-ups.

-Use the proper amount of oil and monitor oil temperature closely.

-Never leave a fryer unattended and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

-Do not attempt to move a fryer once it’s in operation or still hot.

“Thanksgiving is meant to be a time of gratitude and togetherness,” said Captain Joe Enste of the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department. “Taking a few extra safety steps in the kitchen can prevent fires, injuries, and emergency responses—allowing families to enjoy the holiday safely.”

The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department reminds residents to test smoke alarms before the holiday, have a fire extinguisher readily available, and call 911 immediately in the event of a fire.

From all of us at OPVFD, we wish our community a safe, happy, and fire-free Thanksgiving.