According to the Burlington Fire Department, the turkey fryer was left unattended for an extended time while it was heating up, leading to a fire that badly damaged the home.
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Firefighters arrived at the house in the 800 block of N. Sellars Mills Road just before 1 a.m. and found flames and heavy smoke from the sides and rear of the home.
Everyone inside was able to get out safely, and firefighters rescued a dog that was inside the house. The family cat also made it out unharmed.
Fire crews got the blaze under control in about 30 minutes. The home sustained about $150,000 of damages to the structure and an estimated $50,000 to its contents.
Fire officials said this fire serves as a reminder to be extra vigilant when cooking and especially when using a turkey fryer.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, each year turkey deep fryers on average cause 60 injuries, five deaths and an estimated $15 million in property damage.
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If you're using a turkey fryer, never leave it unattended. Keep the fryer outdoors and a safe distance from structures and off wood decks and away from trees.
Never use fryers in garages.
Place the fryer on a level surface and avoid moving it once it's in use.
And never attempt to fry a frozen turkey. Ice or water that mixes into the hot oil can cause flare-ups.