Emilie Meyer
Chip pan fires are one of the most common forms of fire in the UK, with almost 50 deaths and up to 4,600 injuries caused by chip pan fires in the UK each year. They are caused by the large amounts of heat generated by the pans, which are surrounded by large quantities of oil. If a chip pan catches fire, it is important to never throw water on it, as this will cause the oil to explode and spread. Instead, the recommended approach is to get out of the house and call the fire brigade.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| If the fire is still contained within the pan | Use a fire blanket or an F Class fire extinguisher |
| 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 |
| If the fire is small and contained in a pan | Use a small Water Mist fire extinguisher for household or small kitchen use |
| If the fire is in a chip pan or deep fat fryer | Do not attempt to put it out with water |
| If the fire is in a chip pan or deep fat fryer | Turn off the heat source if it is safe to do so |
| If the fire is in a chip pan | Do not use a wet tea towel to put it out |
| If the fire is in a chip pan | Do not attempt to tackle the fire, vacate the area, get everyone out of the property and call 999 |
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What You'll Learn
Don't use water on a chip pan fire
It is important to remember that water should never be thrown onto a chip pan fire. This is because water and oil don't mix—if water is poured onto burning oil, the oil will explode, immediately spreading the fire. This is a very dangerous situation and one that can quickly get out of control.
The risk of chip pan fires is higher when children and pets are around, when adults have been drinking, or when the pan is left unattended. In fact, late-night cooking, especially by men under the influence of alcohol, is a common cause of chip pan fires.
The best way to reduce the risk of a chip pan fire is to avoid using a chip pan altogether. Oven-cooked chips or an air fryer are much safer options. If you do use a chip pan, it should never be left unattended and should not be filled over one-third full.
If a chip pan fire does occur, do not attempt to tackle it. Evacuate the building and call the emergency services. Do not stop to collect belongings, as chip pan fires spread quickly and you may become trapped.
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Don't use a wet tea towel
If you have a chip pan fire, it is not advisable to use a wet tea towel to put it out. This method of fire extinguishing has been dropped by the government and is now considered too risky. The best thing to do is to get out of the house and call the fire brigade.
Chip pan fires are incredibly dangerous, and cooking oil fats cannot be extinguished with water. Attempting to do so can cause the burning oil to splash and spread, and can even cause explosions. The risk of this happening is heightened when a wet tea towel is used, as the water will cause the oil to spatter.
The traditional guidance was to place a tea towel under a cold tap, wring it out, and then place the damp cloth over the rim of the pan. However, this method is no longer recommended as it can cause more harm than good.
If you are going to use a tea towel to put out a chip pan fire, it is important to remember to never use a wet tea towel. Instead, use a dry tea towel to smother the flames. It is also important to be very careful when attempting to put out a chip pan fire, as the oil can easily catch fire and spread.
It is always best to prevent chip pan fires from happening in the first place. To do this, make sure you never leave the pan unattended when the heat is turned on, and always keep children and pets away from the cooking area. Additionally, never fill the pan more than one-third full of oil or fat, and dry food before adding it to the hot oil to prevent splattering.
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Don't use a fire extinguisher
If a chip pan fire occurs, it is important to remain calm and not panic. However, it is crucial to never attempt to put it out with a standard water extinguisher or any other type of fire extinguisher other than a Class F extinguisher. Water should never be thrown onto a chip pan fire as it will cause the burning oil to explode and spread, making the situation much worse and potentially deadly. The water sinks to the bottom of the pan due to its higher density, and the heat causes it to rapidly expand into steam. The confined space in the chip pan causes the burning oil to spew out with explosive force. The vaporized water increases the surface area of the oil, enhancing its contact with oxygen and facilitating its combustion. This can result in tragic consequences, with around 50 people in the UK losing their lives annually due to chip pan fires.
Attempting to extinguish a chip pan fire with water can lead to disastrous outcomes. Instead, it is recommended to turn off the heat source if it is safe to do so, without leaning over the pan. Closing the door to the room and evacuating the building are crucial steps to take. It is important to remember that chip pan fires can spread rapidly, so ensuring the safety of yourself and others in the vicinity takes precedence over attempting to extinguish the fire.
While a Class F fire extinguisher is suitable for chip pan fires, it is important to note that not all fire extinguishers are created equal. Using the wrong type of extinguisher can exacerbate the situation. Therefore, if you do not have a Class F extinguisher specifically designed for kitchen fires, it is best to avoid using a fire extinguisher altogether.
In the absence of a Class F extinguisher, alternative methods can be employed to snuff out the flames. A fire blanket, easily accessible and stored near the hob, can be thrown over the fire to smother it. If a fire blanket is unavailable, a slightly damp tea towel can be used, although it is crucial to ensure that it is not too wet, as this can cause an eruption. A large quantity of bicarbonate of soda or salt can also be used to snuff out the flames. However, it is important to avoid using flour, as it is flammable and will fuel the fire.
It is worth noting that chip pan fires pose a significant risk, with more than 20 fires a day occurring in the UK alone. To mitigate this risk, it is essential to have working heat detectors and smoke alarms installed in the kitchen. Additionally, chip pans should never be left unattended, especially when used by adults who have been drinking or in households with children and pets. Taking preventive measures and knowing how to respond appropriately in the event of a chip pan fire can help enhance safety and reduce the potential for devastating consequences.
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Use a fire blanket
Fire blankets are an effective way to put out chip pan fires. They are made of flameproof substances like woven glass fibre or Kevlar, and are layered with fire-retardant film. Fire blankets work by cutting off the oxygen supply to the fire, helping to extinguish it.
If you have a fire blanket or an F Class fire extinguisher in your kitchen, and the chip pan 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.
To use a fire blanket, first, turn off the heat source if it is safe to do so. Pull the fire blanket out from its container by the tabs, and ensure it is fully stretched out. Wrap the corners of the blanket around your hands to protect them from the fire, then place the blanket over the chip pan, covering it completely. Leave the fire blanket in place for at least 15 to 30 minutes to allow the chip pan to cool and avoid re-ignition.
It is important to note that fire blankets are not designed for reuse; they are one-time-use equipment only. If you use a fire blanket to put out a fire, make sure you get a new one to replace it.
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Evacuate and call the fire brigade
If a chip pan fire occurs, do not attempt to put it out with water. Water will cause the burning oil to explode and spread. Do not use a wet tea towel either, as this is also dangerous. The best course of action is to evacuate the building and call the fire brigade.
Get everyone out of the property immediately. Do not stop to collect belongings, as chip pan fires spread quickly and you may become trapped. Close the door as you leave. Once you are out of the building, call 999. This will allow a trained firefighter in appropriate protective clothing to extinguish the fire more safely.
Chip pan fires are incredibly dangerous and can easily occur if the pan is left unattended. They are one of the most common forms of fire in the UK, causing almost 50 deaths and up to 4,600 injuries each year. The risk is higher when children and pets are present, or when adults have been drinking alcohol.
To prevent 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 safety advice: never fill the pan more than one-third full, keep saucepan handles out of the reach of children, and never leave the pan unattended.
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