Take care when you're cooking, say firefighters

FIREFIGHTERS from Kingswood Fire Station are urging people to take care when cooking, following an increase in kitchen fires in the area.

Between April and December 2011 Avon Fire & Rescue Service attended 28 house fires in the Kingswood area. Of these, 22 were cooking related – compared to just five in 2010.

Homes in the Rodway, Siston, Hanham, Downend, Kings Chase, Staple Hill and Parkwall areas have seen fires where hot oils and fats have been involved, cooking has been left unattended or a chip pan has caught light.

This month is National Cooking Safety Month, and firefighters are issuing advice on how to prevent fires at home.

Kingswood Fire Station manager Rob Leppier said: "More than half of all the fires we attend start in the kitchen and with this recent increase in cooking-related fires we want to remind people of some simple steps they can take to prevent fire in their homes."

The advice includes:

● Never fill a pan more than a third full of fat or oil.

● Never leave the pan or grill unattended when the heat is on.

● Never put food in a pan if the oil begins to smoke. Turn off the heat and leave the oil to cool.

● Try to avoid using a chip pan altogether. Deep fat fryers are a much safer alternative.

● Never wear loose clothing near to cooking materials.

● Keep tea towels well away from cooking appliances.

● Clean hobs regularly to prevent a build up of fat which can catch fire.

● Drinking alcohol and cooking is a mix that can end in disaster.

If a pan does catch fire:

● Do not move it – it could cause burns which last a lifetime.

● Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so but never lean over the pan to reach the cooker controls.

● Never throw water on it, this will only make it worse.

● Get out, stay out and call 999.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service will visit the homes of the most vulnerable members of the community to discuss fire safety measures. To find out if you qualify for a free Home Fire Safety Visit, call 0117 926 2061.

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