TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — While the holidays are usually time to relax and unwind, for first responders, it’s one of the busiest times of the year.
In November 2020, the Terre Haute Fire Department responded to eight cooking fires, twice the agency’s monthly average of 3.9.
Assistant Chief Brent Lloyd says most fires were preventable.
“Most calls coming in are cooking incidents,” He added. ” Around the holidays we see more calls.”
During the holidays, first responders are presented a different challenge.
“When it comes to fire safety around the holidays, more people are inside at this time. There’s a bigger life, safety risk as well as to property. We really ask you be cautious this holiday season,” Lloyd added.
Common causes of holiday fires including being unaware of what’s cooking, leaving the stove unattended and not knowing how to handle a grease fire.
For anyone deep-frying a turkey, Lloyd encourages people to fry it outdoors, use the appropriate amount of oil and keep two feet between the fire and tank.
“If there’s a fire and it’s contained inside of the deep fryer, the best thing to do is to put the lid on and deprive it of oxygen so it can put itself out. Do not spray it with water, it can spread,” He said. “Also, don’t move it,”
THFD encourages people to think of fire escape plans and check carbon monoxide detectors during the holidays.
