NIFRS warns of the dangers of using traditional chip and grill pans

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service is using this year’s National Chip Week to warn people of the dangers of using traditional chip and grill pans.

Chip and grill pans are one of the most common causes of fire in the home.

In 2013 NIFRS attended 131 accidental dwelling fires caused by chip and grill pans and is urging people to put safety first when it comes to cooking to help protect themselves and their family from the dangers of fire.

Kevin O’Neill, Group Commander, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue said: “National Chip Week - designed to celebrate chips as one of our culinary favourites, provides an ideal opportunity for us to remind people to take extra care when cooking with pans, especially ones containing hot oil.

“Chip and grill pans are well known for being a fire risk, but simply changing the way you cook can prevent fire. Our advice is that you stop using a traditional chip pan and invest in an electric temperature controlled deep fat fryer or cook your chips in the oven.

“If it isn’t possible to give up using a chip pan in your home be sure to carefully follow our all year round fire safety advice to reduce fire hazards and cook safely.

“Remember - never fill a pan more than one third full of fat or oil; never leave the pan unattended when the heat is switched on and never put the food in the pan if the oil begins to give off smoke, just turn off the heat and leave the oil to cool, otherwise it could catch fire. Do not cook if under the influence of alcohol and remember to keep your grill pan clean.

“Chips will be on the menu in a lot of homes this week, but remember that even the smallest distraction, like answering the phone when using chip or grill pans to cook, can lead to a fire in a matter of moments so the best advice is to ensure you maintain your concentration and don’t leave pans on the heat unattended.”

Chip and Grill Pan Fire Safety

· Never leave any cooking unattended

· Do not start cooking if you have had alcohol or are feeling tired

· Keep grill pans clean. A build-up of fat and oils can easily catch fire.

If your chip pan or grill pan catches fire don’t take any risks and follow NIFRS guidelines:

· Do not move it.

· Do not tackle the fire yourself.

· Never throw water on a chip pan or grill pan fire.

· Turn off the heat if safe to do so but never lean over the pan to reach the controls.

· Leave the kitchen and close the door behind you.

· Get everyone out of the house.

· Dial 999 and ask for the Fire Service.

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