November 21, 2025
Video of Simulated Cooking Fire Available Here and Cooking Safety Tips Here
Ahead of the upcoming holiday season, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) today reminded New Yorkers that cooking is the number one cause of house fires and shared some simple but effective tips to staying safe while cooking during the holidays. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1,400 home cooking fires occur annually on Thanksgiving Day, which is more than three times the amount on any other day.
“The holiday season should be a time of joy and celebration, so be prepared in advance if a cooking fire does occur,” State Fire Administrator James Cable said. “We encourage New Yorkers and their guests to practice safety measures so that everyone can have a happy holiday.”
Reduce fire dangers in your home by:
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- If you have a small fire while cooking on the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid or baking sheet over the pan and turning off the burner until cooled.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed.
- Keep children away from the stove and areas where hot food is being prepared.
More information is available on the DHSES website.
OFPC also warned New Yorkers of using fryers with cooking oil because spilled or splashed cooking oil can result in severe burn injuries. Additionally, it is important to remember burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State.
About the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control
The Office of Fire Prevention and Control delivers a wide breadth of services to firefighters, emergency responders, state and local government agencies, public and private colleges, and the citizens of New York. The office advances public safety through firefighter training, education, fire prevention, investigative, special operations, and technical rescue programs. The delivery of these essential services enables the office to make significant contributions to the safety of all of New York State.
About the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism, natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the DHSES Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on X, or visit dhses.ny.gov.
Get real time emergency and weather alert texts delivered directly to your phone. Text your county or borough of residence to 333111 to enroll now. Learn more at dhses.ny.gov/emergency-alerts.
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