WATCH: Montville Firefighters Show Turkey Frying Disaster

MONTVILLE, CT — Montville firefighters have issued guidelines on the dangers of frying a turkey. They show in a video how a turkey can quickly ignite when being deep fried.

Montville Fire Services wrote on Facebook: "With Thanksgiving just a week away, Montville’s volunteer Firefighters would like to take a moment to remind everyone that while a fried turkey on Thanksgiving may sound tasty, actually frying a turkey can be dangerous, or even deadly, without some simple preparation."

The Dangers of Frying a Turkey

• When the ice from a frozen turkey make contact with boiling oil it instantly changes to steam and expands to 1,700 times its original volume, causing the oil to bubble over and if an oil particle makes contact the burner flames, you get an instant fire ball.

• A small amount of cooking oil coming into contact with the burner can cause a large fire.

• An overfilled cooking pot will cause cooking oil to spill when the turkey is inserted.

• The sides of the cooking pot, lid and pot handles can get dangerously hot, creating severe burn hazards.

• Freestanding propane burners are prone to easily tipping over, spilling hot cooking oil over a large area.

• Without thermostat controls, deep fryers, and pots of boiling oil, have the potential to overheat the oil to the point of combustion.

Tips for Safely Frying A Turkey

• Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before it is placed in a fryer.

• Do not overfill the fryer or pot.

• Fryers should always be used outdoors, on a solid level surface a safe distance from buildings and flammable materials.

• Slowly place the turkey into the pot or fryer.

• If using a propane burner, turn the flame off before placing the turkey in the pot

• Keep an ABC Fire Extinguisher nearby.

• Never, ever, use water to try and extinguish an oil fire. Oil and water do not mix.

• Never leave your pot of boiling oil or fryer unattended because without thermostat controls, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.

• Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use or after use as the oil can remain hot for hours.

• Never use a fryer on a wooden deck, under a patio cover, in a garage or enclosed space.

• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts and wear long sleeves and safety goggles to protect from splatter.

• Should you have any emergency do not hesitate, call 9-1-1 !

As much as your local firefighters enjoy meeting those they serve in the community, they would prefer to not get to know you as your house is on fire, or while you or a loved one is suffering from burns, due to a fried turkey.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving! Visit Montville Fire Services online at: facebook.com/MontvilleFireService