London Fire Brigade

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Enjoy your chips, but stay safe

11 February 2008

Around 8,200 chip pan fires result in 31 deaths and nearly 3,000 injuries in the UK each year, so it is vital to reduce fire hazards and cook safely.

Steve Turek, London Fire Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner for Community Safety said: “We are urging Londoners not to use traditional chip pans as they are a fire risk. There are other options for cooking chips, so keep you and your family safe and opt for an alternative.”

“Chip pans and traditional fat fryers use very hot fat which can ignite. Pans are particularly dangerous if they are left unattended. All it takes is an interruption like a telephone call and the result could be a serious fire leading to injuries or even death.”

Alternative ways to enjoy chips:

  • Choose oven or microwave chips instead.
  • Buy an electric deep fryer and ditch the chip pan. They are safer to use and look better in the kitchen!
  • If you do cook chips in a traditional chip pan, you should follow these fire safety tips - not just during Chip Week but all year round:
  • Don’t overfill a chip pan with oil – never fill it more than one-third full.
  • Don’t cook after drinking alcohol.
  • Never leave chip pans (or any other cooking) unattended.
  • Don’t take risks by tackling a fire. Get out, stay out and dial 999.
  • Never throw water on a chip pan fire.
  • Have an escape route planned so you and your family can leave your home safely in the event of a fire.
  • Fit a smoke alarm and test it regularly

The Brigade is offering all London residents a free home fire safety visit. Firefighters visit homes, look for fire risks and can fit free smoke alarms if they are needed. Call 08000 28 44 28 to arrange a home fire safety visit.

Note to editors:
Other fire safety tips in your kitchen

  • Keep electrical leads, tea towels and cloths away from the cooker.
  • Keep the oven, hob and grill clean. A build-up of fat and grease can easily catch fire.
  • Don’t put anything metallic inside your microwave.
  • Take care if you are wearing loose clothing, it can easily catch fire.
  • Don’t overload sockets - use one plug in each socket. If you have to, use a fused adaptor and keep the total output to no more than 13 amps.
  • Remember – high-rated appliances like washing machines always need their own socket.
  • Keep electrical leads and appliances away from water.
  • Check the toaster is clean and is away from curtains and kitchen rolls.
  • Turn off electrical appliances when they are not being used and service them regularly.
  • When you’ve finished cooking, make sure the cooker or oven is turned off.

Members of the media can obtain further information from the press office on:

telephone number: 020 8536 5922
email: press@london-fire.gov.uk