Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

N/A at 19/02/2003 11:00

Cornwall County Fire Brigade and the Government are launching a brand new national campaign to warn the public of kitchen fire dangers.

Many tragedies are the result of people dropping their guard when cooking. Pans should never be left unattended, towels and kitchen rolls should be kept away from hobs, appliances turned off after cooking and no-one should attempt to cook while under the effects of alcohol.

Cornwall County Fire Brigade is particularly targeting young males of 16 – 25 years of age. Anecdotal evidence highlights lifestyle factors which indicate that this group (including students) have a high incidence of returning home after a night out and cooking chips - they then fall asleep and become victims of fire.

The Brigade has produced its own poster and distributed it amongst pubs, clubs, takeaways, taxi firms and colleges across Cornwall in order to reach those most at risk. The message is ‘Are you dying for something to eat? Get a takeaway – don’t get taken away!’

Brigade Public Relations Officer Davinia Grist explains: “Our message is to ask anyone on a night out, specifically young males, to remember to feed their appetite at the local takeaway, and NOT to attempt to cook when they get home. If you have to eat at home, why not make a sandwich?”
Davinia continues, “Statistics show that young people are attempting to cook after drinking. Under the influence of alcohol we are less safety conscious and drowsy. This is a dangerous combination as leaving cooking unattended can end in tragedy.”

The ‘L2’ Nightclub and Bunter’s Bar in Truro are supporting the campaign.
Jamie Carvana, Manager of L2 Ltd, says, “Bunters and L2 want to ensure that our customers, and other members of the public, stay safe after leaving our establishments. We want to help in preventing cooking accidents in the kitchen happening. We strongly advise that after a night out on the town you get a takeaway. Allow the professionals to do your cooking. ‘Don’t try and fry under the influence!”

Davinia Grist adds, “Every day kitchen fires kill and injure people in their own homes. The real danger lies in leaving cooking unattended. This campaign fits into our wider aim of preventing fires rather than having to fight them, and the public can help us in doing that.”

The national campaign is supported by TV and radio advertising and runs until the beginning of March 2003. It is being supported by the following partners in fire prevention: Axa, Argos, Currys, Ei Electronics, Homebase, Woolworths and Help the Aged.