What if a pan catches fire?

Accidents happen, and even if you're careful, it's possible that a pan might catch fire. Here's how to stay safe in an emergency...  

Emergency essentials – how to handle a pan fire

Even if you're a very careful cook, accidents can happen – so it's a good idea to know what to do. If a pan catches fire, there are 4 steps to take to stay safe: 

  1. Don't tackle the fire yourself and don't try to move the pan.
  2. Never throw water over a fire as it could create a fireball.
  3. Turn off the heat – but only if it's safe to do so.
  4. Leave the room, close the door, shout a warning to others, and call 999.

What happens when you add water to a chip pan – controlled demonstration

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