THERE are more than 160,000 fires every year in England with 48 per cent of them starting in domestic kitchens say the Home Office.

That is one of the reasons why Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are reminding parents that many of these fires are begun by accident when children are left unattended to cook.

They have stepped up their messages over safety as this half term many children will be cooking their own meals and facing potential danger.

Vikki Thomas of the fire service said: “There are lots of creative ways to teach children about cooking fire safety. And, it’s absolutely vital that they know what to do if the worst should happen.

“So alongside the melting, mixing and making, why not take the chance to pass on your fire safety knowhow? Test your smoke alarms as part of the activity. And remember, never leave a child alone with a hot hob, and help keep them safe by moving matches and saucepan handles out of their reach.”

Kitchen hobs are potential dangers for children she said so it is important to make sure that they know the hazards of a hot hob with distraction when cooking one of the chief reasons for fires.

Vikki Thomas continued: “Half of all accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen - often because of distractions like phone calls or family. Whatever happens elsewhere in your home, always make sure you have one eye on the hob or oven.”

The national fire safety campaign’s top tips for staying safe in the kitchen include: don’t leave cooking unattended; keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob; take care if you’re wearing loose clothing, and to avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking.

Their overall message is if a fire starts to get out and get the fire brigade out by calling 999.