Chip pan fires

Every year around 8,000 chip pan fires result in around 40 deaths and 3,500 injuries in the UK. Most of the chip pan fires are caused by leaving the pans unattended while cooking, or by putting too much oil in the pan. The smoke that comes from a chip pan fire is deadly and can fill the kitchen or house very quickly.

Thousands of injuries occur, trying to extinguish the fire, especially with water. When water is put onto hot oil it heats up, expands, turns to steam and rises in a big steam cloud. Each particle of steam is coated in burning oil and if you are near it you will be badly burned.

If you have to use a chip pan, here are some safety tips:

• Never fill a pan more than a third full of oil
• Never leave a pan unattended
• Do not put wet chips into hot oil
• Don't leave pans in the hob when you're not around. Take them off the heat if you have to leave the kitchen
• Don't move the pan and never throw water over it
• Test the temperature of the oil with a small amount of food and see if it bubbles around it
• If the oil gives off smoke it is too hot
• Clothing and tea towels should be kept away from the cooker

In the event of a chip pan fire

• Don't take any risks.  Turn off the heat if it's safe to do so.  Never throw water over it.
• Dont' tackle the fire yourself.
• Get out, stay out and call 999