Make your chips in the oven say fire chiefs in safety call

West Yorkshire’s firefighters dealt with 120 chip pan fires last year in which 79 people were injured.

Leaving a chip pan unattended for any length of time can have disastrous consequences as the oil can easily overheat and ignite.

But a simple switch from cooking in a chip pan to cooking chips in the oven could help prevent the worst.

On February 23, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service will be staging an event during National Chip Week at Carlton Lanes Shopping Centre in Castleford to promote safety around the kitchen.

Chip pan displays will illustrate the potential dangers of using chip pans and staff will be handing out safe cooking tips.

The event has been organised by the brigade’s Safety Central team, in conjunction with Castleford Green Watch and Wakefield district fire prevention staff.

“We understand chips are one of the nation’s favourite foods but the smallest distraction when using hot oil could lead to a devastating fire in a matter of moments, said Wakefield Assistant District Manager, Paul England.

“Oven chips are a safer and healthier way to enjoy your old favourite.”

Castleford has seen an increase in cooking related incidents over the last few years: Fire brigade figures show:

75 per cent of accidental house fires were caused by cooking in Castleford area, compared to the county average of 55 per cent;

Over 50 per cent were caused by people being distracted;

Most were cooking incidents in the cooker or on top of the hob.

Fire officers say that if you choose to deep fat fry, these tips should help reduce the risk:

Don’t overfill a chip pan with oil – never fill it more than one-third full;

Never leave the chip pan unattended;

Never cook under the influence of alcohol or drugs;

Use a thermostat-controlled deep fat fryer – which will make sure the oil doesn’t get too hot;

Never throw water or a wet towel on a chip pan fire;

Turn off the source of heat, if it is is safe to do so;

In the event of fire, have an escape route in mind.

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