Tiffany Haney
Chip pans are a common cause of house fires in the UK and Ireland, with around 12,000 chip pan fires occurring in the UK every year. The hot oil used in chip pans can easily catch fire, and the risk of a fire is increased if the pan is overfilled, left unattended, or used by someone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If a chip pan fire occurs, it is important not to use water to extinguish it, as this can cause the fire to spread. Instead, a fire blanket or a Class F fire extinguisher can be used to put out the fire. If the fire cannot be contained, it is recommended to evacuate the building and call the emergency services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What not to do | Do not use water or a standard water extinguisher to put out a chip pan fire |
| Do not use a wet tea towel | |
| Do not use any other type of fire extinguisher but a Class F extinguisher | |
| Do not stop to collect your belongings if the fire has already begun to spread, evacuate the building and call the emergency services | |
| What to do | Use a fire blanket |
| Use a Class F fire extinguisher, spraying in slow circular movements | |
| Turn off the heat source | |
| Get everyone out of the room, close the door, get everyone out of the house, and then call the fire department | |
| Switch to a safer means of cooking chips, such as an air fryer or deep fryer |
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What You'll Learn
Do not use water to extinguish the fire
Chip pans are a common cause of house fires, especially in the UK and Ireland. They are believed to cause more than 20 fires a day in the UK alone, resulting in around 4,600 injuries and 46 deaths per year.
If a chip pan fire occurs, it is important to remember not to use water to extinguish the flames. Water will cause the burning oil to splash and spread, leading to a violent fire spread known as a "slopover". This is an extremely dangerous condition where the flaming oil is violently expelled from the container. Water can also cause an eruption or explosion, making the fire much worse.
The standard Class A and B fire extinguishers are ineffective and can be dangerous when used on cooking oil fires. Instead, a Class F fire extinguisher, which uses a special alkaline solution, should be used. These extinguishers are designed specifically for chip pan and deep-fat fryer fires and can effectively extinguish the flames without causing the oil to spread.
If you do not have a Class F fire extinguisher, a fire blanket can be used to smother the fire. Pull the dangling tapes to release the blanket from its container and wrap the corners around your hands for protection. Place the blanket over the pan and leave it until the fire is out and the oil has cooled.
To reduce the risk of chip pan fires, it is recommended to avoid using chip pans altogether and opt for oven-cooked chips or an air fryer. It is also important to never leave the pan unattended, ensure the oil does not smoke, and avoid overfilling the pan.
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Use a Class F fire extinguisher
If a chip pan fire occurs, do not attempt to put it out with water. Water will cause the fire to spread and can cause an explosion. Similarly, do not use a wet tea towel, as tests have shown that this can also cause an eruption.
The only type of fire extinguisher that should be used to extinguish a chip pan fire is a Class F extinguisher. These fires are caused by fats and cooking oils, and Class F extinguishers are specifically designed to put out fires caused by these substances. Class F extinguishers contain potassium salts, which smother the fire's oxygen supply and cool down the flames.
Class F extinguishers are identified by a bright yellow strip at the top of the extinguisher. In the UK, the body of the extinguisher must be coloured red.
If the fire has already begun to spread, or if attempts to extinguish it are unsuccessful, evacuate the building and call the emergency services. Do not stop to collect belongings, as chip pan fires can spread very quickly.
To prevent chip pan fires, it is recommended that households switch to a safer means of cooking chips, such as using an oven or air fryer. Other advice includes not filling the pan more than one-third full, not leaving the pan unattended, and turning the handle to the side to avoid knocking it.
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Use a fire blanket
If a chip pan fire occurs, do not panic. The first step is to turn off the stove or any other source of heat if it is safe to do so. Do not attempt to move the pan. Fire blankets are an effective way to tackle chip pan fires, but they must be used correctly and quickly.
To use a fire blanket, first pull it out of its container by the tabs, ensuring it is fully stretched out. Wrap the corners of the blanket around your hands for protection, then place the fire blanket gently over the pan, covering it completely. Make sure the blanket is placed from the nearest edge of the flame to prevent the fire from reaching your hands. Leave the fire blanket in place for at least 15 to 30 minutes to allow the fire to be smothered and the heat to disperse.
During this time, exit the building and call the fire brigade for a professional assessment, even if the fire appears to be extinguished. Fire blankets are effective in extinguishing small, contained fires by cutting off the oxygen supply. However, they are not designed for reuse and should be replaced after each use.
It is important to have fire protection equipment easily accessible and to ensure that everyone knows how to use it properly. Fire blankets can also be used to wrap around individuals, providing protection from flames and allowing them to evacuate safely. Remember, the primary concern during a fire should be leaving the premises safely, not fighting the fire.
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Evacuate the building and call the emergency services
If a chip pan fire occurs, it is essential to act quickly and prioritize your safety. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do if a chip pan fire breaks out:
- Evacuate immediately: If the fire has already spread or cannot be contained, do not hesitate—evacuate the building immediately. Chip pan fires can spread rapidly, so every second counts. Do not stop to collect belongings or attempt to fight the fire. Your safety is paramount.
- Get to safety: Get yourself and any other occupants out of the building as quickly as possible. Make sure everyone is accounted for and move to a safe distance away from the building.
- Call the emergency services: Once you are at a safe distance, call the fire department or emergency services immediately. Provide them with your location and any other relevant information. Stay on the line if you can and follow their instructions.
- Prevent re-entry: Under no circumstances should anyone re-enter the building until the fire department arrives and declares it safe. Chip pan fires can be extremely dangerous, and the smoke and fumes generated can be toxic.
- Account for everyone: As you wait for the emergency services, ensure that everyone who was in the building is accounted for. Check if anyone is injured or suffering from smoke inhalation and administer first aid if necessary.
- Inform the authorities: When the fire department arrives, provide them with as much information as possible about the fire. Let them know if anyone is still inside the building and share any relevant details about the layout of the premises.
Remember, chip pan fires can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable. Always follow the advice of fire safety authorities and prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you.
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Safety precautions to prevent a chip pan fire
Chip pans are a common cause of fires in the UK and Ireland, with around 12,000 chip pan fires occurring each year in the UK alone. To prevent chip pan fires, it is important to take the following safety precautions:
Read the instructions carefully and do not overfill the pan: Fill the pan no more than one-third full to prevent oil from spilling over and causing a fire.
Have a working heat detector and smoke alarms in your home: Install working smoke alarms throughout your home and a heat detector in your kitchen to alert you to a fire quickly. Test these regularly to ensure they are functioning properly.
Do not leave the pan unattended: Chip pans require the full attention of a responsible adult. Do not leave the pan unattended, even for a short period, and keep the handle turned to the side to prevent accidental knocking or spilling.
Do not use a chip pan if you are feeling unwell, intoxicated, or under the influence of drugs: The use of chip pans requires caution and a clear head. It is unsafe to operate a chip pan if you are feeling unwell, intoxicated, or under the influence of drugs, as your reaction times may be impaired.
Do not add food if the oil or fat starts to smoke: If the oil or fat begins to smoke, turn off the heat immediately and wait for it to cool down before attempting to add any food. Adding food to smoking oil can cause a fire.
Use a fire blanket or Class F fire extinguisher: In the event of a chip pan fire, a fire blanket or Class F fire extinguisher (either water mist or wet chemical) can be used to extinguish the flames. Water must be avoided, as it can cause the fire to spread violently. Keep a fire blanket in an easily accessible location near the hob.
Evacuate the building and call the emergency services if the fire cannot be contained: If the fire spreads or cannot be safely extinguished, evacuate the building immediately and call the fire department. Do not attempt to fight the fire if it is out of control.
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Frequently asked questions
If a chip pan fire occurs, it is important to stay calm and act quickly. First, turn off the heat source if it is safe to do so. Then, follow the steps outlined below to extinguish the fire using a fire blanket, Class F fire extinguisher, or water mist extinguisher. If the fire cannot be contained, evacuate the building and call the fire department.
Yes, a fire blanket can be effective in putting out a chip pan fire. Pull the dangling tapes to release the blanket from its container, wrap the corners around your hands for protection, and place the blanket over the pan. Leave it in place until the fire is out and the oil has cooled.
Only use a Class F fire extinguisher, which is specifically designed for fires involving cooking oils and fats. Avoid using standard water extinguishers, as they can cause the oil to splash and spread the fire. Water mist extinguishers are suitable for chip pan fires and can be used to gently apply a fine spray to the blaze.
To prevent chip pan fires, never leave the pan unattended, ensure the oil does not exceed one-third of the pan's capacity, and avoid frying food in large quantities. Do not use a chip pan if you are feeling unwell, intoxicated, or under the influence of drugs. Always have a working heat detector and smoke alarms in your kitchen.
Using water to extinguish a chip pan fire is extremely dangerous and should be avoided. Water can cause the hot oil to violently splash and spread, leading to a condition known as "slopover." Instead, use a fire blanket or a Class F fire extinguisher to safely extinguish the fire.
