Chip pan safety warning (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Chip pan safety warning

WITH restaurants across the county taking part in National Chip Week, Wiltshire's firefighters have issued a fresh safety plea to residents.

Chip shops including the Portway Fish Bar in Westbury High Street, have been joining in the national promotion organised by the British Potato Council. The event, which ends on Sunday, offers customers the chance to win a TV DVD home cinema system, concert tickets and free chips.

But the county's firefighters are keen to spell out the potential dangers of using chip pans.

If you discover a chip pan fire Wiltshire Fire Brigade advises it should only be tackled if there is a safe escape route. You should never move the pan, but you can turn off the heat if this does not place you at risk. Other tips include never having the chip pan more than one third full of oil or fat and using a fire blanket and not water to put out the fire. For further fire safety advice call the brigade help line on (01380) 731119.