As Michigan families prepare for one of the biggest food and football days of the year, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Director Marlon I. Brown and Michigan State Fire Marshal Tom Hughes, of LARA’s Bureau of Fire Services (BFS), are urging residents to make fire safety part of their Thanksgiving tradition.
“Too many Michigan residents do not have working smoke alarms, and in a fire, that can be the difference between life and death,” said Marlon I. Brown, Director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. “This Thanksgiving, as you gather with your loved ones, let’s show some teamwork and Detroit Lions GRIT to keep Michigan safe from fire. Whether it’s before kickoff, or during halftime, take a moment to talk about how fire safety can help us prevent tragedies.”
So far in 2025, Michigan has experienced 82 fatal fires resulting in 95 deaths. Working smoke alarms were present in fewer than 30 percent of these incidents. Adults over the age of 60 accounted for 64 percent of all fire fatalities, and individuals living with a disability represented 23 percent of those who lost their lives.
“We have found that many victims never received an early warning and were overcome by smoke while trying to escape,” added State Fire Marshal Hughes. “Working smoke alarms and practiced escape plans can save lives and help us reduce fire fatalities across Michigan.”
In honor of Dan Campbell and our Detroit Lions, let’s use some GRIT toward fire safety:
- First Down: Ensure every home in Michigan has working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.
- Second Down: Develop and practice a home fire escape plan. Evaluate all escape routes and make sure they’re clear for loved ones to exit safely in the event of a fire.
- Third Down: Plan for older adults and family members with mobility or disability challenges. Make sure everyone can escape in two minutes or less.
- Be Ready to Audible: Just like on the field, practice multiple escape options. Make sure every family member knows at least two ways out of every room.
- Game-Saving Play: Sleep with your bedroom door closed. If a fire occurs, a closed door can slow smoke and flames, buying time to escape through a window or be rescued by firefighters.
- Extra Point: Install and regularly test CO detectors to protect against the silent killer, carbon monoxide—produced by stoves, furnaces, generators, and dryers.
Turkey Frying Safety: Don’t Get Burned on Game Day
“While Turkey frying continues to be a popular Thanksgiving tradition, deep-frying a bird in several gallons of oil heated over 350 degrees can be extremely dangerous,” said State Fire Marshal Hughes. “When cooking oil is overheated, vapors can ignite and become as flammable as gasoline. That’s why a fryer must be at least ten feet from any house, garage, or building, and never used on a combustible surface such as a deck.”
John Madden, an American professional football coach and sports commentator in the National Football League (NFL), made the turducken and the post-game turkey-leg celebration part of Thanksgiving football. But while the players battle for the turkey leg, don’t let your fryer be the reason your local fire department gets called into the game. Safety should be the MVP of this holiday season.
“There are simple ways to fry safely and still enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving,” said State Fire Marshal Hughes.
Turkey Frying Safety Playbook
- ALWAYS use the fryer outdoors on a flat, stable surface at least 10 feet from buildings, decks, or trees.
- ALWAYS keep children and pets away from the fryer.
- ALWAYS ensure the turkey is completely thawed and dry before frying.
- ALWAYS monitor the oil temperature and turn off the burner if it begins to smoke.
- ALWAYS keep a Class B or multipurpose (ABC) fire extinguisher nearby; never use water.
- NEVER leave the fryer unattended.
- NEVER overfill with oil.
- NEVER fry under a roof, in a garage, or on a wooden deck.
- NEVER place the propane tank directly next to the burner. Always allow at least two feet of space.
Be a Life-Safety Hero This Holiday
Take time this Thanksgiving to talk with loved ones about fire safety tips, safe escape plans, and ways to reduce the chances of fire. After you’ve created your Fire Safety Gameplan, LARA and BFS encourage residents to share it on social media using #MIPrevention.
Fire can happen to anyone. Escaping in under two minutes is only possible with working smoke alarms, closed doors, and a practiced escape plan. Fire safety is for all ages. For more information and fire safety tips, visit www.MIPrevention.org.
###
