Don’t gamble with your life when the chips are down!

Chip pan fire.

Don’t gamble with your life when the chips are down! - That is the message from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service as they urge chip lovers to take care when they indulge in one of the nation’s favourite foods this National Chip Week (21 – 27 February 2007).

Over 1100 accidental dwelling fires started in the kitchen in Greater Manchester in 2009-10, but while only 151 accidental fires were sparked by overheated chip pans, the resulting 89 casualties show how dangerous these fires can be.

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

If you do choose to deep fat fry your chips, these all-year-round fire safety tips could help reduce the risk:

• 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
• Never throw water on a chip pan fire.
• Don’t cook after drinking alcohol.
• In the event of a fire, have an escape route in place.
• Don’t take risks by tackling a fire. Get out, stay out and call 999.
• Get a smoke alarm and test it weekly. 

For further advice on fire safety or to book a free Home Fire Risk Assessment visit www.manchesterfire.gov.uk or call free on 0800 555 815.