Safety & seasons
Turkey fryer propane safety for the holidays
Fry the turkey outdoors on a level, non-combustible surface at least 10 feet from the house and never under eaves, a porch, a carport or in a garage, with the propane cylinder at least 2 feet from the burner and the wind carrying heat away from it. Use a fully thawed, dry bird, measure the oil with water first so the pot cannot overflow, stay with the fryer the whole time, and if the oil catches fire, shut off the gas and call 911 instead of using water.
Updated · American River Gas office, Newcastle
Why a turkey fryer deserves its own plan
This Thanksgiving, November 26, 2026, plenty of foothill cooks will pull a fryer out of the shed. A fryer puts a deep pot of oil over an open propane flame, and the U.S. Fire Administration notes that fryers can tip over easily. The U.S. Fire Administration points out that an overfilled pot spills oil when the turkey goes in, and without a thermostat the oil can overheat to the point of starting a fire. Put that next to dry grass, a wood deck or a garage full of gear, and a holiday meal becomes an emergency fast.
Pick the spot before you light anything
- Outdoors only, at least 10 feet from the house and not under roof eaves, as the U.S. Fire Administration advises.
- Never in, on or under a garage, breezeway, carport, porch or any structure that can catch fire, per the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- On a sturdy, level surface that will not burn, such as a concrete pad or bare dirt. Skip the wood deck, and keep well away from dry grass, leaves and pine needles, which are everywhere in a foothill yard in late November.
- Set it up where you will not need to move it once the oil is hot.
- Keep children and pets at least 3 feet from the fryer.
Setting up the propane cylinder
The CPSC calls for at least 2 feet of space between the propane cylinder and the fryer burner, and for placing both so any wind blows the fryer's heat away from the cylinder. CSA Group, which certifies gas appliances, adds that the cylinder should be as far from the burner as the supplied hose allows, and that you should buy a fryer bearing the mark of an accredited certification agency.
Connect the hose and regulator with the burner valve off, and follow the fryer maker's instructions for checking the connection before you light it. If you smell gas at the cylinder, shut the cylinder valve, move people back and do not light the burner. A cylinder that leaks, is damaged or is past its requalification date should not be used.
Oil, the bird and the burner
- Measure first. Put the turkey in the empty pot, cover it with water, lift it out and mark the water line. Dry the pot and fill with oil only to that mark.
- Thaw completely. The CPSC cites USDA guidance of about 24 hours in the refrigerator for every 4 to 5 pounds. A partly frozen or wet bird makes oil splatter and boil over.
- Watch the temperature. If your fryer has no thermostat, clip a cooking thermometer to the pot, and if the oil starts to smoke, turn the gas off right away.
- Turn the burner off while you lower the turkey in and lift it out, then relight it. Lower it slowly.
- Wear long sleeves and oven mitts. The pot, lid and handles get very hot.
- Never leave a lit fryer, even for a minute.
If something goes wrong
If the oil catches fire, shut off the propane at the cylinder if you can do it safely, get everyone back and call 911. The CPSC is clear: do not put water on a grease fire. Leave the pot alone until the oil has cooled completely.
When you are done, close the cylinder valve and let everything cool before you pack up. The U.S. Fire Administration also suggests an electric or air fryer as a safer option if you would rather skip the open flame.
Refilling and storing the cylinder
Bring your cylinder to our yard at 10290 Ophir Road in Newcastle for a refill during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 4:30, closed noon to 1:00. Plan the trip for the week before the holiday, and call (530) 888-7438 to ask about Thanksgiving week hours. The Propane Education & Research Council says to secure cylinders upright so they cannot shift or roll, drive straight to your destination and take the cylinder out of the vehicle right away.
Afterward, keep the cylinder outside, away from heat and ignition sources. Never use or store it in a garage, basement, shed or tent. If you smell gas around your home's propane system at any time, leave the building first, then call 911 and us from outside.
Questions
Straight answers
How far should a turkey fryer be from my house?
At least 10 feet, outdoors, and never under eaves, a porch, a carport or in a garage.
How far should the propane cylinder be from the fryer?
At least 2 feet from the burner, and placed so the wind blows heat away from the cylinder.
Can I fry a turkey that is still a little frozen?
No. Thaw it completely and pat it dry. A frozen or wet bird makes hot oil splatter and boil over.
Where can I refill my fryer cylinder near Auburn?
At the American River Gas yard, 10290 Ophir Road in Newcastle, during business hours. Call ahead about holiday week hours.
Related
Keep reading
Sources: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: safety tips for turkey fryers (opens in a new tab) · U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA): turkey fryer fire safety (infographic, PDF) (opens in a new tab) · CSA Group: safety tips for gas-fired turkey fryers and outdoor cookers (opens in a new tab) · Propane Education & Research Council: safety guide for portable propane cylinders (opens in a new tab)
Newcastle yard · since 1966
Questions about propane?
Call the office and talk to a real person. Or leave your details and we call you back.
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM (closed noon-1:00 PM)
After hours, weekends and holidays, our answering service reaches a staff member.
