“Get out, stay out, call 999” advice for home fires

Local people are being reminded by Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service not to tackle fires in the home.

The Service is repeating advice from the Government that householders should “get out, stay out and call 999” in the event of a fire.

This advice now covers all fires in the home, including those involving chip pans and deep fat fryers.

Alan Harper, Group Manager in charge of community safety, said: “People should never try and tackle fires themselves. With any kind of cooking fire, turn off the heat to the pan or fryer if it is safe to do so, but don‘t take any risks. Get to safety and call 999 – let trained firefighters, wearing the right protective clothing, deal with the problem.”

To keep safe when using chip pans or deep fat fryers, follow these simple tips:

• Never fill a pan more than one third full of oil or fat.
• Never leave the pan unattended when the heat is switched on.
• Never put food in a chip pan if the oil begins to smoke - turn off the heat and leave the oil to cool, otherwise it can catch fire.
• Clean hobs regularly to prevent a build up of fat which can catch fire.
• Drinking alcohol and cooking is a mix that can end up in disaster.

If a pan does catch fire:

• Do not move it - it could cause burns.
• 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 the fire as this will only make it worse.
• Close the kitchen door as you leave the room, then ring 999.

For a range of home fire safety advice, visit www.wiltsfire.gov.uk

BACK