Come fry with me...

 

The service says that out of all accidental house fires for the region in 2010-11 366 started in the kitchen, but while only 49 accidental fires were sparked by overheated chip pans, the resulting 23 casualties show how dangerous these fires can be.

 

It warns that leaving a chip pan unattended for any length of time can have disastrous results as the oil can easily overheat and ignite, and that a simple switch from the pan to the oven or a temperature controlled deep-fat fryer can help prevent the worst.

 

“From the chip shop to the kitchen table, chips will quite rightly be on the menu this week,” said Community Safety Projects Officer, Beverly Davies. “But the smallest distraction when using a hot chip pan could lead to a fire in a matter of moments.”

 

To promote safer frying, the Service has asked mywelshpool to share the following tips that could help reduce the risk:

 

-          Don’t leave the pan unattended

-          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

-          Don’t cook after drinking alcohol

-          In the event of a fire, have an escape route in place

-          Get a smoke alarm and test it weekly

-          If your pan does catch light, don’t throw water over it– get out, stay out and call 999.

 

For further advice on fire safety visit www.facebook.com/firekills or contact Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 169 1234.