Each year, fire incidents in the United States increase during the Thanksgiving and holiday season, particularly from cooking and heating sources. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), Thanksgiving Day has more than twice the number of reported home fires compared to an average day.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) further reports that home cooking fires rise by nearly 400 percent on Thanksgiving Day. This pattern is consistent nationwide and affects both New York and Florida homeowners, where insurance claims for fire-related damage typically rise during November and December. The following analysis reviews national data from the USFA, NFPA, and The Zebra, as well as fire insurance considerations for New York and Florida residents.
National Fire Data and Thanksgiving Trends
The U.S. Fire Administration estimates that fire departments respond to approximately 2,300 residential building fires on Thanksgiving Day annually, a rate 2.3 times higher than on a typical day. About 74 percent of these fires are caused by cooking, followed by heating sources at around 8 percent. The NFPA’s 2022 data supports this trend, estimating 1,610 home cooking fires nationwide on Thanksgiving Day—almost four times the daily average. November consistently ranks as the month with the highest share of home cooking fires.
According to The Zebra, Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home cooking fires, and deep-fried turkey incidents alone cause an estimated $15 million in property damage annually. These incidents commonly result in insurance claims for property loss, injuries, and additional living expenses.
Insurance Considerations and Claims Process
Homeowners’ insurance policies typically cover accidental fire damage, including the cost of repairs, replacement of personal property, and temporary housing. In New York, the Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) emphasizes the importance of notifying the insurance carrier promptly and preserving the damaged property for inspection before making permanent repairs. In Florida, the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) collects residential property claim data, but most reports are aggregated for larger catastrophic events rather than for seasonal household fires.
The Zebra’s research highlights that while most holiday-related fire losses are covered, policyholders must ensure adequate dwelling and contents coverage, especially given inflation in construction and repair costs. Firms such as the Law Offices of John Caravella, P.C., advise homeowners in New York on post-fire reconstruction and insurance claims, noting that clear documentation and timely communication with insurers are key factors in successful recovery.
New York and Florida Context
In New York, cold weather and increased use of heating appliances in addition to cooking contribute to higher fire risks during November and December. Residents in older homes or multifamily dwellings are especially vulnerable due to outdated wiring and heating systems. In Florida, where Thanksgiving gatherings often include outdoor cooking, electrical and fryer-related fires are the primary contributors. While comprehensive state-specific data for these months is not publicly available, insurers in both states typically experience higher claim volumes related to fire losses during this period.
Prevention and Risk Management
To reduce the likelihood of fires during the holiday season, both USFA and NFPA recommend constant supervision while cooking, maintaining functional smoke alarms, and keeping flammable items away from heat sources. Homeowners should also avoid using outdoor fryers near structures, check electrical cords and outlets for wear, and ensure fire extinguishers are accessible.
Data from the U.S. Fire Administration, NFPA, and The Zebra confirm a clear increase in home fires during Thanksgiving and the holiday season, primarily due to cooking and heating activities. While comprehensive state-level insurance claim data for November and December is limited, homeowners in both New York and Florida face heightened risks and corresponding insurance activity during this time. Awareness of these seasonal trends, proactive safety measures, and familiarity with insurance procedures are essential for minimizing damage and ensuring faster recovery in the event of a fire. For additional guidance on post-fire reconstruction and navigating insurance claims, New York residents can consult resources such as the Law Offices of John Caravella, P.C.
John Caravella Esq., is a construction attorney and formerly practicing project architect at The Law Office of John Caravella, P.C., representing architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, and owners in all phases of contract preparation, litigation, and arbitration across New York and Florida. He also serves as an arbitrator to the American Arbitration Association Construction Industry Panel. Mr. Caravella can be reached by email: John@LIConstructionLaw.com or (631) 608-1346.
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References
U.S. Fire Administration, “Thanksgiving Day Fires in Residential Buildings (2017–2019)” – usfa.fema.gov
U.S. Fire Administration, “Cooking Fires in Residential Buildings (2017–2019)” – usfa.fema.gov
National Fire Protection Association, “Home Cooking Fires” – nfpa.org
The Zebra, “Holiday Cooking Accidents and Insurance” – thezebra.com
New York State Department of Financial Services, “Managing and Mitigating Losses” – dfs.ny.gov
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, “Catastrophe Reporting” – floir.com
Law Offices of John Caravella, P.C., “Post-Fire Reconstruction and Insurance Claims” – liconstructionlaw.com
