Out of the frying pan and into the…
Chip lovers are being urged by Warwickshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service to take care when cooking during this week’s National Chip Week.
National Chip Week got underway yesterday, February 20, and continues until Sunday, February 26.
In 2011 there were 1,491 chip pan fires in the UK, and in Warwickshire there were 105 dwelling fires involving cooking appliances. As a result of these, 13 people in Warwickshire were injured as a result of the cooking fires.
Leaving a chip pan unattended for any length of time can have disastrous results as the oil can easily overheat and ignite. A simple switch from the pan to the oven or a temperature controlled deep-fat fryer can help prevent the worst.
Community Fire Safety Manager Moreno Francioso said: “Kitchen fires can start so quickly, the smallest distraction when using a hot chip pan could lead to a fire in a matter of moments. We have attended a number of incidents in the last few months where cooking has been left unattended and kitchens have been completely destroyed. We don’t want that to happen at any time of the year, so all we are asking is that residents ensure that they are cooking safely during National Chip Week.
“However, if the worst does happen and your chip pan catches alight, then do not throw water over it – get out, stay out and call 999.”
By taking just a few simple precautions, you can greatly reduce the risks of having a fire in your home:
- Don’t overfill a chip pan with oil – never fill it more than one-third full.
- Be careful that it doesn’t overheat – hot oil can catch fire easily.
- Use a thermostat-controlled deep-fat fryer, which will make sure the fat doesn’t get too hot
- Never throw water on a chip pan fire.
- Don’t cook after drinking alcohol.
- In the event of a fire, have an escape route in place.
- Don’t take risks by tackling a fire. Get out, stay out and call 999.
- Get a smoke alarm and test it weekly.
For further information on the work of the Fire and Rescue Service visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/warksfirerescue or ‘like’ us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/warwickshirefireandrescueservice