Tiffany Haney
Chip pan fires are the biggest cause of injuries from fires in the UK. They occur when the oil in the pan becomes too hot and catches fire, or when the oil spills or splashes onto the hob. The risk of chip pan fires is higher when they are used in households with children and pets, by adults who have been drinking, or when they are left unattended. Oil can easily catch fire and cause serious burns as it is volatile and can overheat when cooking. It is dangerous to use water to extinguish a chip pan fire as it can cause the burning oil to splash and spread, and even cause explosions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of fire | Oil in the pan becomes too hot and catches fire |
| Oil spills or splashes onto the hob | |
| Difficulty in prevention | Very difficult to prevent |
| Danger | Oil cannot be extinguished with water |
| Attempting to extinguish with water can cause splashing, spreading, and explosions | |
| Risk factors | Use in households with children and pets |
| Use by adults who have been drinking | |
| Unattended pans | |
| Risk reduction | Opt for oven-cooked chips or an air fryer |
| Read instructions carefully and do not overfill the pan | |
| Have working heat detectors and smoke alarms in the kitchen and throughout the home | |
| Fit a Class F fire extinguisher (water mist or wet chemical units) | |
| Ensure the chip pan has the full attention of a responsible adult when in use | |
| Do not use a damp tea towel | |
| Do not attempt to tackle the fire if it is not safe to do so |
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What You'll Learn
Oil overheating
Oil can also catch fire if it spills or splashes onto the hob. This can happen if the pan is overfilled or if food is not adequately dried before frying. Even a small amount of water in the oil can cause it to splatter and spread the fire.
To prevent oil overheating, it is important to follow some safety precautions. Firstly, it is recommended to use an air fryer or oven to cook chips instead of a chip pan. If a chip pan is used, ensure that the oil level in the pan is below one-third full and never leave it unattended. It is also crucial to have a working heat detector and smoke alarms in the kitchen to alert you to any potential fires.
If a chip pan fire occurs, do not attempt to put it out with water. This will cause the oil to explode and spread the fire. Instead, use a fire blanket or an F-class fire extinguisher specifically designed for kitchen fires. If the fire has already started to spread, evacuate the building and call the emergency services.
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Oil spilling or splashing
Preventing Oil Spill or Splash
- Keep the oil level in the pan below one-third full. This helps reduce the risk of overflow or spillage.
- Ensure food is dry before placing it into the hot oil. Wet food can cause oil splashing, and water can vaporize instantly at frying temperatures, expanding up to 1500 times its volume.
- Do not overfill the pan with food. Adding too much food at once can cause oil spillage over the sides of the pan.
- Always give the chip pan your full attention when it is in use. Do not leave it unattended.
- Avoid using a chip pan if you are feeling tired, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or otherwise impaired.
If Oil Spills or Splashes
- Do not attempt to put out an oil fire with water. Water will cause the oil to explode and spread the fire.
- If the fire is contained within the pan, you may use a fire blanket or an F-class fire extinguisher to try to extinguish the blaze.
- If the fire has spread or cannot be extinguished safely, evacuate the building immediately. Close the door as you leave to help contain the fire.
- Call the fire emergency services (e.g., 999 in the UK).
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Using water to extinguish
It is essential to never use water to extinguish a chip pan fire. Water should not be used to put out a chip pan fire because it will cause the burning oil to splash and spread, and can even cause explosions. Water can vaporise instantly and expand to 1500 times its volume when it comes into contact with hot oil. This will cause the fire to immediately spread and can cause serious injury.
If you have a fire involving any sort of oil, do not let water come into contact with it. Even one drop of water could cause a huge fireball. This is why it is important to ensure food is dry before frying.
If a chip pan or deep fat fryer catches fire, do not attempt to put it out with water. If you have a fire blanket or F Class fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and the fire is still contained within the pan, you may attempt to extinguish the blaze. If the fire has already begun to spread, or an attempt to safely extinguish it is unsuccessful, evacuate the building and call the emergency services immediately.
Water mist fire extinguishers for household or small kitchen use often have F-class ratings and can be used to extinguish chip pan fires. However, do not try to put out a chip pan fire with a standard water extinguisher, as it can cause splashing.
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Lack of fire safety equipment
A lack of fire safety equipment is a crucial factor that can contribute to the occurrence and severity of chip pan fires. Here are some ways in which insufficient fire safety provisions can lead to chip pan fire incidents:
One of the primary reasons chip pan fires start is due to the high flashpoint of cooking oil. When a chip pan or deep fryer is used repeatedly, the oil can break down and degrade over time, especially if it is not changed regularly. This degradation lowers the smoke point and flashpoint of the oil, making it more susceptible to ignition. If a kitchen lacks a fire suppression system or even a simple fire blanket, the chances of a chip pan fire spreading are greatly increased.
Proper ventilation is also key to preventing chip pan fires. During the cooking process, oil can splatter and create a buildup of grease and oil residue on surrounding surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and extractor fans. If these areas are not regularly cleaned and maintained, the grease and oil can ignite, fueling the fire and spreading it to other parts of the kitchen and beyond. Proper ventilation systems and regular cleaning protocols are essential to mitigate this risk.
Additionally, the absence of fire extinguishers or inadequate types of extinguishers can be detrimental. Chip pan fires should be extinguished using a wet chemical or foam extinguisher, as water or powder-based extinguishers can cause the burning oil to splatter and spread the fire. When a suitable extinguisher is not readily available, the fire can quickly grow out of control, causing significant damage and endangering lives.
Furthermore, the lack of smoke detectors or a non-functioning detection system can be catastrophic. Early warning is critical to evacuating the premises and alerting emergency services. Without working smoke detectors, a chip pan fire may go unnoticed until it has spread significantly, making it more challenging for firefighters to control and potentially leading to more extensive property damage and injury.
Regular fire safety training for staff is also vital. Employees should be educated on how to prevent chip pan fires, recognize risks, and respond appropriately in an emergency. This includes understanding the correct use of fire safety equipment and knowing when and how to evacuate safely. A lack of training can lead to panic, incorrect actions, and an increased risk to both individuals and the property.
In conclusion, the absence or inadequacy of fire safety equipment significantly contributes to the risk and impact of chip pan fires. It is of utmost importance that kitchens and businesses prioritize fire safety by investing in the necessary equipment, maintaining it regularly, and ensuring staff are well-trained to prevent, contain, and respond effectively to potential chip pan fire incidents.
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Unattended chip pans
Leaving a chip pan unattended can be extremely dangerous and is a common cause of fires. The oil in chip pans is heated to around 160 °C, which is hot enough to vaporize water instantly, expanding it to 1500 times its original volume. This means that if you attempt to extinguish a chip pan fire with water, the oil may explode, spreading the fire.
Chip pans are deep-sided and usually come with a lid and a basket for removing and draining the chips. They are filled with oil and heated to a high temperature, which can easily catch alight. Oil can cause serious burns—it is volatile and can overheat when cooking and burst into flames. This can happen very quickly and is difficult to prevent.
The risk of chip pan fires is higher when they are left unattended, especially in households with children and pets, or when used by adults who have been drinking or are under the influence of drugs. If a chip pan catches fire, it can spread very quickly, so it is important to act fast. If the fire is still contained within the pan, you may attempt to extinguish it with a fire blanket or an F-class fire extinguisher. Do not use water to try to extinguish the fire, as this will cause the burning oil to splash and spread and may even cause explosions.
To reduce the risk of chip pan fires, it is recommended to opt for oven-cooked chips or an air fryer. If you do use a chip pan, ensure you follow these safety precautions:
- Read the instructions carefully and do not overfill the pan.
- Keep the oil level in the pan below one-third full.
- Ensure the chip pan has the full attention of a responsible adult when in use.
- Have a working heat detector in your kitchen and working smoke alarms throughout your home.
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Frequently asked questions
Chip pan fires start when the oil in the pan gets too hot and catches fire. They can also start if the oil spills or splashes onto the hob.
Chip pans use large amounts of heated oil to cook food. Oil can easily catch fire and cause serious burns. It is also very difficult to extinguish.
The best way to prevent a chip pan fire is to not use a chip pan at all. If you do use one, make sure the oil level is below one-third full, and never leave it unattended. Ensure you have working smoke alarms throughout your home.
Do not attempt to put out a chip pan fire with water. Evacuate the building and call the emergency services. If the fire is contained within the pan, you may attempt to extinguish it with a fire blanket or an F-class fire extinguisher.
