Southeast Houston Homeowner's Thanksgiving Prep Sparks House Fire

A Thanksgiving morning fire in southeast Houston left one homeowner displaced after a backyard turkey smoker ignited and spread to the house, according to officials. The incident happened as the resident prepared a holiday meal and noticed flames rising near the outdoor cooking area.

Fire Starts While Smoker Was Being Set Up

The homeowner told first responders that the fire began just after he set up a smoker to cook a turkey. He reported seeing flames near the unit and attempted to extinguish them, but the fire moved quickly and reached the home before he could stop it.

Houston Fire Department crews arrived within minutes and kept the blaze from spreading to neighboring houses. Firefighters contained the flames primarily to the back portion of the property. No injuries were reported.

Officials have not yet determined the exact cause, but early signs point to an equipment malfunction or heat source issue involving the outdoor cooker.

Why It Matters for Houston

Thanksgiving week often leads to a spike in home cooking fires across the region, and Houston fire crews typically issue warnings about turkey fryers, smokers, and other outdoor cooking equipment. This incident serves as another reminder of how quickly outdoor cooking setups can spark larger emergencies.

Homeowners across Houston can reduce fire risks by keeping smokers and fryers on stable, non-flammable surfaces, checking all equipment for leaks or damage, and keeping a fire extinguisher close by.

Safety Tips for Holiday Cooking

• Always place smokers and fryers at least 10 feet from any structure.
• Never leave outdoor cooking equipment unattended.
• Keep children and pets away from hot surfaces and equipment.
• Use protective gloves and check fuel lines for proper function.
• Have a hose or extinguisher ready in case of flare-ups.

What’s Next

Investigators are reviewing damage to determine the exact cause of the fire. The homeowner is working with insurance teams, and fire officials expect to release a final report in the coming days.

Residents planning weekend cooking or holiday gatherings are urged to follow established safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents.

This article is a summary of reporting by ABC13 Houston. Read the full story here.