Chip Pan Fires: What To Remove And How

Chip pans are the most common cause of house fires in the United Kingdom, with around 12,000 chip pan fires occurring annually, resulting in over 4,600 injuries and 50 deaths per year. The most important thing to remember in the event of a chip pan fire is to never use water to extinguish the flames, as this will cause a fireball. Instead, turn off the heat source if it is safe to do so, and call the fire and rescue service.

Never use water to extinguish a chip pan fire

Chip pans are a common cause of house fires in the United Kingdom, with around 12,000 chip pan fires occurring annually, resulting in injuries and deaths. While it is essential to know how to prevent these fires, it is equally crucial to understand how to respond effectively if a fire does occur. One critical piece of advice is to never use water to extinguish a chip pan fire.

Water must be avoided at all costs when dealing with a chip pan fire. While it may seem intuitive to reach for water to douse the flames, doing so will have catastrophic consequences. Water and oil are immiscible substances, meaning they do not mix. When water is poured into a burning chip pan, the water sinks to the bottom of the pan due to its higher density. The water then rapidly vaporises, expanding to up to 1500 times its original volume. This sudden expansion causes the oil to be violently expelled from the pan, resulting in a dangerous condition known as a "slopover." The flaming oil is forcefully ejected from the pan, creating a fireball and spreading the fire.

The risk of a slopover is extremely high due to the high temperatures involved in chip pan fires. Most vegetable oils have a smoke point of about 230°C and a flashpoint of 315°C. When oil reaches these temperatures, it can easily ignite, creating a dangerous fire. The addition of water further exacerbates the situation, leading to a rapid and intense fireball.

To effectively extinguish a chip pan fire, it is recommended to use a fire blanket, a Class F fire extinguisher, or a specifically designed ABF extinguisher. A fire blanket can be thrown over the fire to smother and starve it of oxygen. Class F fire extinguishers are designed for kitchen fires involving fats and oils. They work by spraying an alkaline solution that reacts with the burning fat or oil to create non-flammable soap, effectively extinguishing the fire. The ABF extinguisher is a newer type of extinguisher designed for chip pans and deep fat fryers.

In summary, when faced with a chip pan fire, remember to never use water. Doing so will result in a violent fire spread and a potential slopover. Instead, opt for the appropriate fire-fighting tools, such as fire blankets or Class F or ABF extinguishers. Always prioritise your safety, and if the fire cannot be contained, evacuate the area, close the door, and call the fire department.

Turn off the heat source

If you discover a chip pan fire, the first thing to do is to turn off the heat source if it is safe to do so. Do not lean over the pan to reach the cooker controls. If you are unable to turn off the heat source safely, do not attempt to do so.

If your cooker is electric, you can cut off the power supply by switching off the electricity at the fuse box, breaker box, or electricity meter. This will also turn off the heat.

If you have turned off the heat source, and the fire has not spread or is now under control, leave the pan to cool down for at least 20 to 30 minutes. This will allow the oil to cool below its flashpoint, which is the temperature at which it can ignite.

If the fire is small and you have a fire blanket, you can throw it over the fire to smother it. Make sure you have easy access to a fire blanket and keep it close to the hob.

Do not attempt to tackle the fire if it is too big. Get everyone out of the room and close the door. Then, get everyone out of the house and call the fire department.

Use a fire blanket

Fire blankets are made of fire-resistant materials and are used to smother fires or wrap around a person whose clothing is on fire. They are particularly useful for smothering fat pan fires, such as chip pan fires.

• If it is safe to do so, turn off the heat source.
• Pull the two cords or tabs at the bottom of the blanket's packaging to release it.
• Hold the blanket with both hands from one edge to another, ensuring the corners are folded over your hands for protection.
• Carefully place the blanket over the chip pan, keeping your arms outstretched. Make sure the fire is completely covered.
• Leave the blanket over the fire for at least 15 to 20 minutes to allow the oil to cool below the flashpoint.
• If the fire is not controlled, do not try to adjust the blanket. Call the emergency services immediately.

It is important to note that fire blankets are not designed for reuse and are typically for one-time use only. Additionally, fire blankets should not be used if the fire is spreading or out of control. In such cases, it is best to evacuate the building and call the fire department.

Fire blankets can be an effective tool to extinguish small chip pan fires, but it is crucial to use them correctly and safely.

Use a Class F fire extinguisher

A chip pan fire is a common type of fire that occurs in the kitchen, and it is important to know how to deal with it. If you cannot turn off the heat source safely, or put the fire out with a lid, you may need to use a fire extinguisher.

Class F fires are caused by the ignition of fats and cooking oils. These fires are extremely dangerous and can spread quickly. They burn at incredibly high temperatures, and standard fire extinguishers are inadequate and can be dangerous. Water, for example, will cause the fire to spread and explode.

Class F fire extinguishers are also known as wet chemical extinguishers. They are the only type suitable for fighting fires caused by fats and cooking oils. They are used in industrial and commercial kitchens, and sometimes in domestic kitchens. They are identified by a yellow label.

To use a Class F fire extinguisher, ensure you are a safe distance from the fire and position the extinguisher above the flames. Squeeze the lever to release the chemical spray, allowing it to fall onto the fire from above. This will suffocate the fire, and the potassium salts in the spray will help to reduce the flames and prevent reignition.

It is important to remember that fire extinguishers should only be used by someone who has been trained to do so. If in doubt, get yourself and others out of the building and call the fire brigade.

Call the fire brigade

If you have a chip pan fire, the first thing to do is to call the fire brigade. Pick up the phone and dial 999 or 112. The fire service will be able to tackle the fire and ensure your safety.

Chip pan fires are extremely dangerous and can quickly get out of control. They are the most common cause of house fires in the United Kingdom, with around 12,000 chip pan fires every year, resulting in over 4,600 injuries and 50 deaths annually. The oil used in chip pans is highly flammable and can explode if not handled correctly. It is also extremely hot and can cause serious burns.

If you have a chip pan fire, do not try to tackle it yourself. The fire service is equipped with the necessary tools and training to deal with these types of fires safely. They will be able to extinguish the fire and ensure that it does not spread to other areas of your home or neighbouring properties.

While you wait for the fire brigade to arrive, make sure you and any other occupants in the building get out safely. Have a clear escape route and ensure everyone leaves the building and moves to a safe distance away. Do not go back inside for any reason. If possible, turn off the heat source to the chip pan if it is safe to do so, but do not put yourself at risk.

Under no circumstances should you try to extinguish a chip pan fire with water. This will cause a fireball and make the situation much worse. It is also important not to throw a wet tea towel over the fire, as this can also cause an eruption. A fire blanket can be used to smother the fire, but only if it is safe to do so and you have one easily accessible.

So, if you have a chip pan fire, the most important thing to remember is to call the fire brigade immediately. Do not try to tackle the fire yourself, as this can be extremely dangerous. Follow their advice and guidance, and let them handle the situation to ensure your safety and prevent further damage.

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