Melbourne Fire Inspector Urges Holiday Caution as Kitchens Heat Up for Thanksgiving
By Space Coast Daily // November 24, 2025
From Fryers to Distractions: The Fire Risks Hiding in Your Holiday Meal Prep
BREVARD COUNTY• MELBOURNE, FLORIDA — As families across Brevard County begin planning their holiday gatherings, the Melbourne Fire Department is reminding residents that a few simple precautions can prevent a festive celebration from turning into a dangerous emergency.
“Cooking fires can be prevented,” said Jim Harton, City of Melbourne Fire Inspector.
“Staying in the kitchen while cooking, using a timer, and avoiding distractions are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes.”
With Thanksgiving approaching — the peak day for home cooking fires nationwide — fire officials are encouraging residents to stay alert and follow key safety practices when preparing large meals.
The department shared several tips aimed at reducing the risk of kitchen fires, the leading cause of home fire injuries.
One of the biggest concerns: turkey fryers that use large amounts of hot oil. According to fire officials, these devices pose significant burn dangers and are not considered safe.
Instead, Harton recommends choosing safer alternatives such as infrared fryers, air fryers, or electric turkey fryers listed by qualified testing laboratories.
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Other safety tips include:
• Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you need to leave, even briefly, turn off the stove.
• Check food regularly when simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling. Keep a timer handy and remain at home while using the oven or stovetop.
• Keep a pan lid and oven mitt nearby. In the event of a small grease fire, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flames, turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it cools completely.
• Establish a 3-foot “kid-free zone.” Keep children away from the stove and from areas where hot food or liquids are being prepared or carried.
The Melbourne Fire Department encourages residents to review these tips before holiday cooking begins, noting that planning ahead could prevent injuries, property damage, and family tragedies.
For more information on fire safety in Melbourne, residents can contact the Melbourne Fire Prevention Office at 321-608-7900. Additional Thanksgiving cooking safety guidance is available on the National Fire Protection Association website HERE.
