By Doug Erwin, Founder and Director of Personal Lines, Advanced Insurance Solutions · Updated November 2, 2026
Quick tip from Doug: Stay in the kitchen while anything is on the stovetop, keep a lid within reach for grease fires, and test your smoke alarms before the guests arrive. If you're frying a turkey, do it outside on a level surface, well away from the house, deck and garage. Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home cooking fires. If one does happen, fire is one of the main risks a standard homeowners or renters policy covers, often including your belongings and extra living costs if you can't stay in your home.
Thanksgiving in Central PA is a lot of things: a full house, a football game nobody's really watching, and at least one relative who insists on "helping" in the kitchen. It's also, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the single biggest day of the year for home cooking fires in the United States.
From our offices in Hershey and York, we've spent 26 years helping families across Dauphin, Lebanon, Cumberland, Lancaster, York and Adams Counties, plus Harford, Baltimore and Carroll Counties in northern Maryland, protect their homes. Here's how to keep your holiday on the menu and off the claims report.
How common are Thanksgiving cooking fires?
More common than you'd think. Citing NFPA data, the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal reports an estimated 1,446 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day in 2023, nearly four times the daily average. NFPA says cooking is the leading cause of home fires on Thanksgiving, most cooking fires start on the stovetop, and unattended cooking and deep-frying turkeys are common contributors.
The good news: most of these fires are preventable with a few simple habits.
Does homeowners insurance cover a kitchen fire?
Often, yes. Fire is one of the core risks a standard homeowners policy is built to cover. Depending on your policy, that can include:
Your house. Repairs to the kitchen, cabinets, walls and anything else damaged by fire or smoke.
Your belongings. Appliances, furniture, dishes, clothing and other personal property damaged by fire, smoke or the water used to put it out.
Extra living expenses. If your home isn't livable during repairs, additional living expense coverage (sometimes called loss of use) can help pay for a hotel, rental and meals above your normal costs.
Your guests. If a guest is burned or injured and you're found responsible, the personal liability part of your policy often helps, and medical payments coverage can pay a guest's minor medical bills regardless of fault.
Your deductible applies, and coverage limits and exclusions vary by insurance company. It's worth knowing whether your policy pays replacement cost (what it costs to buy new) or actual cash value (replacement cost minus depreciation) for your belongings, because that can make a big difference after a fire.
What about turkey fryer fires?
A fire caused by a turkey fryer is generally handled like any other accidental fire, so it's often covered. But fryers are a special kind of risk. They hold gallons of hot oil, and a partially frozen or wet turkey can make that oil boil over and ignite. The NFPA discourages using them, and if you do, recommends using the fryer outdoors on a level surface according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Fryer safety guidance shared by fire officials includes:
Measure the oil first. Put the turkey in the empty pot, add water to cover it, then remove the turkey and mark the water line. That tells you how much oil to use without overflowing.
Thaw and dry the turkey completely. Ice and water make hot oil splatter and boil over.
Keep it away from the house. Never use a fryer in a garage, under a covered porch, or on a wood deck.
Wear long, protective gloves and keep kids and pets well away.
How can I prevent a kitchen fire on Thanksgiving?
Stay in the kitchen. NFPA says don't leave food cooking unattended on the stovetop or in the oven. If you have to step away, turn off the burner.
Keep a 3-foot kid-free zone. Keep children and pets at least 3 feet from the stove and anywhere hot food is being prepared.
Move the clutter. Keep towels, oven mitts, paper and packaging away from burners and hot surfaces.
Know how to handle a grease fire. Turn off the heat and slide a lid over the pan. Never use water.
Test smoke alarms and grab an extinguisher. Have a working smoke alarm on every level and keep an extinguisher in or near the kitchen.
When in doubt, get out. If a fire spreads beyond a small pan or the oven, get everyone out and call 911 from outside.
What if I'm a renter hosting Thanksgiving?
Your landlord's policy generally covers the building, not your belongings or your personal liability. Renters insurance usually covers your furniture, electronics and clothing after a fire, can help with extra living expenses if you have to move out temporarily, and includes personal liability if a guest is hurt or you accidentally damage the building. It's typically one of the most affordable policies we write.
Frequently asked questions
Will a kitchen fire claim raise my homeowners rates?
It can, depending on your insurance company and claims history. For very small damage, it may make sense to handle it yourself rather than file against your deductible. Give us a call and we'll talk it through.
Is smoke damage covered even if there were no flames in the room?
Often, yes. Smoke damage from a covered fire is commonly included. Policies vary, so check yours or ask us.
What if a guest causes the fire?
Your homeowners policy usually still responds to damage to your home, regardless of who was cooking. If someone else's negligence is involved, your insurer may handle any recovery from that person behind the scenes.
Does my policy cover a fire at a family member's house where I'm cooking?
The homeowner's policy usually covers their house. Your own liability coverage may help if you're found responsible for damage or injuries, depending on your policy.
Should I make a home inventory before the holidays?
It's a great idea. A quick video walk-through of each room, including closets and drawers, makes it much easier to document a claim after a fire.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving
A five-minute review can confirm that your dwelling and belongings are insured for what they'd cost to replace today, and that your liability limits make sense when the house is full. Request a home insurance quote or call us at 717-533-0252 (Hershey) or 717-845-1500 (York). Neighbors are always welcome to stop by our Hershey office on West Chocolate Avenue or our York office on South Queen Street. From all of us at Advanced Insurance Solutions, happy Thanksgiving.
Sources: Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal: Thanksgiving Cooking Safety (citing NFPA) · WVVA: Simple Precautions Can Reduce Thanksgiving Cooking Fire Risk, NFPA Says
Coverage varies by insurance company and policy. This article is general information, not a coverage guarantee or legal advice. Talk with a licensed agent about your home and policy.