Deep-frying turkey fire dangers explained in Chatham County Fire Department video

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Chatham County Fire Department has shared an educational video on social media ahead of Thanksgiving warning the community about how dangerous deep-frying a turkey incorrectly can be.

The video, embedded above, shows one of the worst case scenarios that can occur when a turkey is not fried properly.

As the turkey is lowered into the oil, it erupts into flames, damaging the nearby area. Chatham County Fire Battalion Chief Carl Sapp explains there are multiple reasons for this.

“One, they were too close to the side of the house. Two, looks like they had too much oil in their cooker, possibly a wet turkey too, because it erupts so fast.”

“When they drop it, they also drop it,” Chief Sapp continues. “You want to slowly lower your turkey and make sure, if you’re outdoors, you have plenty of room around you.”

The video goes on to show viewers how to properly dry their turkey, and explains why putting too much oil can be disastrous.

“The biggest thing is people use too much oil, so when the turkey hits the oil, the displacement flows over, hits the gas and the flames.”

You can watch the full video on deep-frying turkey safety via the Chatham County Fire Department’s original post on its Facebook page.