Cody Casey
Chip pans are a common cause of house fires in the UK and Ireland, with around 12,000 chip pan fires reported every year. The use of chip pans can lead to fires when the oil in the pan becomes too hot and catches fire, or when the oil spills or splashes onto the hob. To prevent chip pan fires, it is important to ensure that the pan is never left unattended, and that the oil level in the pan does not exceed one-third of its capacity. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid using water to extinguish a chip pan fire, as this can lead to an explosion. Instead, a fire blanket or a Class F fire extinguisher should be used to put out the flames.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fill level | Keep the oil level in the pan below one-third full |
| Supervision | Keep the chip pan under constant supervision |
| State of user | Do not use the chip pan when under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or when feeling tired or unwell |
| Food state | Ensure all food is dry before frying |
| Temperature | Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil; if the oil starts to smoke, turn off the heat and allow it to cool |
| Equipment | Use a stove guard device, such as Airis, to monitor the temperature and automatically turn off the hob if necessary; have a fire blanket and/or a Class F fire extinguisher (e.g. wet chemical extinguisher or ABF extinguisher) easily accessible |
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What You'll Learn
Keep the oil level in the pan below one-third full
Keeping the oil level in the pan below one-third full is one of the most important steps to prevent chip pan fires. This is because chip pan fires can occur when oil spills or splashes out of the pan, and overfilling the pan increases the risk of spillage. By keeping the oil level low, you reduce the chances of oil spilling or splashing onto the hob or surrounding areas, which could ignite a fire.
It is crucial to remember that chip pans use large amounts of heated oil, which poses a significant fire risk. The oil can easily catch fire if it gets too hot, and even a small amount of splashing or spilling can quickly turn into a dangerous situation. Therefore, maintaining a low oil level in the pan is a key safety measure.
Additionally, it is important to monitor the temperature of the oil carefully. Oil that is smoking is too hot and should be cooled down. You can test the temperature of the oil by dropping in a small piece of food; if it crisps quickly, the oil is hot enough for frying. Adjust the heat to ensure the oil does not reach the danger zone.
Keeping the oil level below one-third full also helps prevent accidents and injuries caused by hot oil. Chip pans are a common cause of burns, especially in children, as the hot oil can spill or splash out of the pan. By reducing the oil level, you lower the risk of hot oil coming into contact with skin or causing accidental burns.
Finally, in the event of a chip pan fire, it is crucial to remember never to use water to extinguish it. Water will cause the burning oil to spread and explode, making the situation much worse. Instead, turn off the heat source and use a fire blanket or a Class F fire extinguisher specifically designed for chip pan fires, such as a wet chemical extinguisher.
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Ensure all food is dry before frying
Ensuring that all food is dry before frying is crucial for preventing chip pan fires. Moisture on food can cause hot oil to spit and explode, leading to a potential fire. This is because water and oil do not mix, and water is denser than oil, so it sinks to the bottom of the pan and, upon heating, rapidly turns to steam, creating an explosive force that propels the oil upwards.
To avoid this, it is essential to thoroughly pat dry any food before placing it in the hot oil. Use paper towels or a clean tea towel to absorb any excess moisture. This is especially important when frying foods that have a high water content, such as potatoes or vegetables. Cut raw potatoes into uniform sizes, perhaps soaking and rinsing them first to remove excess starch, then ensure they are completely dry before frying.
Additionally, it is important to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry food in small batches to prevent moisture buildup in the pan, which can cause steam and lead to oil spitting. Always use a suitable frying basket or utensil to carefully lower the food into the oil, being mindful of any splashes or spills.
By taking these precautions and remaining vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of a chip pan fire and enjoy your crispy, golden treats safely.
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Never leave the pan unattended
Leaving a chip pan unattended is one of the biggest causes of chip pan fires, which are the most common cause of house fires in the UK and the biggest cause of injuries from fires in the home. It only takes a few minutes for a fire to start and spread, so it is important to never leave a chip pan unattended, even if the phone or doorbell rings.
Chip pans are dangerous because they use large amounts of heated oil to cook food. Fires can occur if the oil becomes too hot and catches fire, or if the oil spills or splashes onto the hob. This can happen very quickly and is difficult to prevent. The risk of chip pan fires is higher when they are used by adults who have been drinking or taking drugs, or when used in households with children and pets.
To avoid fires, it is recommended to keep the oil level in the pan below one-third full. If the oil starts to smoke, turn off the heat and leave it to cool—do not add food. It is also important to treat the pan with caution and keep your eyes on it at all times.
If a fire does occur, do not try to put it out with water as this can cause a huge fireball and serious injury. Instead, turn off the heat, leave the room, shut the door, and call the fire department. A fire blanket can also be used to smother the fire, but it is important to ensure it is not damp.
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Avoid frying when drunk, tired, or under the influence of drugs
Frying food while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, tired, or otherwise impaired is extremely dangerous and can lead to fires and serious injuries. In fact, chip pans are the most common cause of house fires in the United Kingdom, with around 12,000 chip pan fires annually, resulting in over 4,600 injuries and 50 deaths per year.
Chip pans use large amounts of heated oil to cook food, and this oil can easily catch fire if it gets too hot, splashes, or spills. The risk of a fire is even higher when chip pans are used by tired or impaired people, or in households with children and pets.
If you are feeling tired or unwell, it is best to avoid frying food altogether. Opt for oven-cooked chips, use an air fryer, or a thermostat-controlled electric deep fryer instead. These alternatives are much safer options and do not pose the same fire risks as chip pans.
Alcohol and drugs can impair your judgment and reaction time, making it more likely that you will make a mistake while frying food. For example, you may forget to turn off the heat, leave the pan unattended, or accidentally spill hot oil. If you have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs, it is important to refrain from using a chip pan and opt for a safer cooking method instead.
By avoiding frying when tired, impaired, or under the influence of substances, you can significantly reduce the risk of a chip pan fire and keep yourself and those around you safe.
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Fit a Class F fire extinguisher or fire blanket
Fires involving chip pans are extremely dangerous because cooking oil fats cannot be extinguished with water. In fact, attempting to extinguish a chip pan fire with water can cause the burning oil to splash and spread, and can even lead to explosions. Therefore, it is recommended to fit a Class F fire extinguisher or fire blanket in your kitchen to combat chip pan fires.
Class F fire extinguishers are designed to fight fires involving cooking oils, fats, and grease. They use an alkaline-based solution to react with the burning oil and turn it into a soapy foam, which cannot burn. This type of extinguisher is labelled with a yellow label and is specifically designed for fires involving chip pans and deep fat fryers. They are small enough to be mounted discreetly behind a cupboard door near your hob.
Fire blankets can also be used to smother a chip pan fire and cut off its oxygen supply. They are easy to use and can be wrapped around your hands to protect them from the fire. To use a fire blanket, first turn off the heat source if it is safe to do so. Then, pull the black dangling tapes to release the blanket from its container. Place the blanket over the pan, making sure to cover it completely. Leave the blanket in place until the fire is out and the oil has cooled down. It is important to keep your fire blanket easily accessible and close to your hob.
It is important to note that chip pan fires can spread very quickly, so if you cannot extinguish the fire or it has already started to spread, evacuate the building immediately and call the emergency services. Do not try to fight the fire if it is not safe to do so, and never use water or a damp tea towel to extinguish a chip pan fire.
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