Wilmington, NC, November 18, 2025 — Thanksgiving remains the number 1 day for home cooking fires in the United States. With kitchens buzzing and families gathering across New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties, one distraction can turn a holiday tradition into an emergency. SERVPRO of New Hanover, Brunswick/South Columbus, and Pender/West Onslow Counties is sharing essential fire-safety guidance to help local homeowners prevent seasonal kitchen fires and stay protected.
National fire agencies report a significant spike in cooking-related fires every Thanksgiving, with unattended cooking as the leading cause. Multiple dishes, busy schedules, and crowded kitchens increase the risk-especially in coastal homes where guests and holiday travel add to the chaos.
“Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy family, not face an unexpected disaster,” says Rob Cowan, Sales Rep of SERVPRO of Brunswick & South Columbus Counties. “A fire can start in seconds, and even a small kitchen flare-up can leave behind heavy smoke, soot, and emotional stress. Staying alert in the kitchen is the simplest way to keep your home and family safe.”
Holiday Cooking Safety Tips from SERVPRO
SERVPRO encourages homeowners to follow these simple steps to reduce fire risk:
- Stay in the kitchen when frying, broiling, or grilling. If you step away, turn off the stove.
- Keep flammable items-towels, mitts, paper goods-away from the stovetop.
- Wear fitted clothing that won’t brush against burners.
- Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires. Slide the lid over the pan and shut off the heat.
- For oven fires, turn off the heat and keep the door closed until the fire goes out.
For families who do experience a holiday kitchen fire, SERVPRO of New Hanover offers trusted fire damage restoration in Wilmington NC to help homeowners recover quickly and safely.
24/7 Emergency Fire Damage Response Across Southeastern NC
If a fire does occur, SERVPRO crews are ready around the clock. As the largest SERVPRO operation in the region, Team Thompson responds quickly to homes in Wilmington, Leland, Hampstead, Carolina Beach, Southport, Calabash, Jacksonville (West), and surrounding communities.
“Our team is local, and we care deeply about protecting this community,” said Rob Cowan. “Holiday fire damage can be overwhelming. We’re here 24/7 to restore your home, support your family, and help you get back to normal fast.”
SERVPRO’s Brunswick/South Columbus team delivers rapid emergency fire cleanup services, arriving with the training and equipment needed to handle everything from debris removal to structural cleaning.
SERVPRO’s Pender and West Onslow crews are widely recognized as local smoke and soot removal experts, restoring homes “Like it never even happened” even after minor flare-ups produce heavy smoke damage.
About SERVPRO of New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender Counties:
SERVPRO of New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender Counties is a locally owned and operated restoration and cleaning company serving the coastal North Carolina region. The company specializes in water damage restoration, fire and smoke cleanup, mold remediation, biohazard cleaning, and full reconstruction services. With IICRC-certified crews, state-of-the-art equipment, and 24/7 emergency response, SERVPRO helps make property damage “Like it never even happened.“
Franchise Locations and Local Websites:
New Hanover County: servpronewhanover.com
Brunswick County: servprobrunswicksouthcolumbuscounties.com
Pender County: servpropenderwestonslowcounties.com
For more information or to schedule a mold inspection, visit www.servpronewhanover.com or call 910-762-8180.
Media Contact:
Organization: SERVPRO of New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender Counties
Phone Number: (910) 762-8180
Email: [email protected]