Thanksgiving turned tragic for a family in Weston, Connecticut, as their $4 million mansion was completely destroyed in a fire caused by a turkey frying accident in the garage. While everyone in the 11-bedroom, 9.5-bath home managed to escape unscathed, the property was deemed uninhabitable after the blaze.
The fire started in the garage around 3:42 p.m., prompting an automatic alarm and subsequent 911 calls. By the time the Weston Volunteer Fire Department arrived, flames had spread rapidly through the house. Over 40 family members and guests evacuated as firefighters launched a fierce battle against the inferno, which lasted over 16 hours.
What Went Wrong?
Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire likely started due to the use of a turkey fryer inside the garage—a risky decision that underscores the importance of proper safety precautions. The fire chief noted that firefighting efforts were significantly hindered when a vehicle drove over a key water supply hose, cutting off water flow for several minutes and complicating the situation further.
Adding to the chaos, dangerous fire conditions caused structural collapses inside the home, forcing the firefighters to adopt defensive strategies to contain the flames. Multiple fire departments from nearby areas provided mutual aid in the massive operation.
Community Reacts
Weston First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor expressed gratitude for the coordinated response:
“Special thanks to all our volunteer firefighters, EMS teams, and mutual aid departments. We’re fortunate everyone is safe.”
The family is now being assisted by the American Red Cross. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of frying turkeys indoors—a practice that experts strongly advise against.
Fire Safety Tips for Turkey Frying
To prevent similar disasters, experts recommend:
- Always fry turkeys outdoors, away from buildings or flammable objects.
- Never use a fryer in an enclosed space like a garage.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Avoid frying frozen turkeys as the ice reacts explosively with hot oil.
While Thanksgiving is a time of celebration, safety precautions should never be overlooked.
