Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Station Road, Helston at 27/05/2010 18:56

Firefighters from Helston were mobilised to an actuation of an automatic fire alarm.

On arrival the fire crews discovered that the cause of the actuation was a fire involving a chip pan, which was already out. An occupant was suffering the effects of smoke inhalation and was treated by firefighers with oxygen until the arrival of an ambulance. The occupant did not need hospital treatment.

General Fire Safety Advice:
Deep-Fat Frying

Deep-fat frying presents more dangers in your kitchen.

Chip pans are safe as long as you follow some simple guidelines.

Before putting food in the pan dry the food, and test the temperature of the oil by putting in a small piece of bread. If the bread crisps quickly the oil is ready.

Remember:
Never fill a chip pan (or other deep-fat fryer) more than one-third full of oil
Never leave the pan unattended when the heat is switched on
Never put the food in the pan if the oil begins to give off smoke. Turn off the heat and leave the oil to cool, otherwise it could catch fire
Consider using a thermostatically controlled deep-fat fryer - this will ensure that the fat does not get too hot

If your pan does catch fire:Don't take any risks.
Turn off the heat if it's safe to do so.
Never throw water over it.
Don't tackle the fire yourself.
Get out, stay out and call 999!
Whatever you do, don't throw water over the fire and don't move the pan, the effects can be devastating.
If you are in any doubt about whether to try and put out a chip pan fire yourself, then don't - leave the room, close the door and call the Fire & Rescue Service.

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=7280#frying