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5/2/2010 - Chip shops get thumbs up from Cumbrian firefighters

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service - chip pan fire
Cumbrian firefighters demonstrate the dangers of a chip pan fire

Firefighters in north Cumbria are encouraging people to use this month’s National Chip Week to ditch their pans and head to their favourite local chippy.

Pans with hot fat in them –often used to make home-made chips –are the trigger behind approximately 20 per cent of fires in the home across the UK and cause more than 4,500 injuries every year.

The Love Chips week, which runs from 15-21 February, is the 150th anniversary celebration of the great British dish, and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to vote for their perfect portion from their local chippy on-line at www.lovechips.co.ukthis external link will open in a new window

The following chips shops in north Cumbria are taking part in the perfect portion competition:

Fontanas, London Road, Carlisle 

Angel Lane Fish Shop, Penrith

Bryce’s Mobile Chippy and Bryce’s Chip Shop, Wigton Townhead Chippy, Penrith Scott’s Fish Bar, Penrith

Cumbria County Councillor Gary Strong, Cabinet member for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Everyone loves a good portion of chips, but the safest place to get them from is your local chippy, but if you do cook chips at home then we'd recommend using the oven.

"Voting for your local chippy is a bit of fun and a good way of supporting businesses in our community."

"However there is also a serious fire safety message –on average across the UK, 17 people are killed or injured each day in kitchen fires - a very good reason to buy chips from the chippy."

If you can’t live without your chip or frying pan:

- REMEMBER IF A PAN WITH FAT OR OIL IN CATCHES FIRE, NEVER THROW WATER ON IT - turn off the heat if it is safe to do so, leave the house closing doors behind you and call 999

- Never leave the pan unattended when the heat is switched on 

- Never fill the pan more than one-third full 

- Dry the food before placing it in the pan 

- Never add food to the pan if the oil starts to smoke.  Turn off the heat and allow it to cool down 

- Check that the handle of the pan is not sticking over the edge of the cooker where it could easily be knocked or reached by children 

- Do not cook when you have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs 

For a FREE home safety visit by Cumbria Fire & Rescue and a FREE smoke alarm, please call 0800 3584777.

ENDS

Media enquiries to Media Officer Chris Little on 01228 226335.