PORTLAND — Firefighters in Portland have determined that a house fire in the early morning hours was sparked by an electric turkey smoker placed too close to the home.
Portland Fire & Rescue said Thursday that a mail delivery person spotted sparks and smoke at the home shortly after 5 a.m. and called 911 before alerting the occupants.
Two adults, one child and three cats made it out safely.
Damage to the home is estimated at $75,000.
Portland Fire & Rescue would like to remind residents to have a fun and safe Thanksgiving and offered safety tips:
- Make sure outdoor cooking devices are on a non-combustible surface and away from home siding, decking or overhead combustibles.
- Always use proper cooking trays that account for the large amount of grease that comes from turkey cooking.
- Never leave your cooking device unattended
- Never attempt to cook a frozen or semi-frozen turkey. This causes a hazard no matter what your cooking method is.
- Keep track of small children near your cooking area.
