Today is the Shrove Tuesday, informally known as Pancake day. Ahead of the Pancake cooking, London Fire Brigade has urged people to take care while cooking and remember that 60% of accidental fires start in the kitchen.
London Fire Brigade’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, Charlie Pugsley, said: “We all like to enjoy pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, but cooking can quickly take a dangerous turn. It doesn’t take much to burn a pancake, so make sure you never leave your pan unattended.”
He added that if your pan catches fire, “never tackle it yourself and don’t attempt to move it or throw water on it as it would create a fireball”. He recommends that you “leave the room, close the door, warn others in the property and call 999”.
Whether you like them with lemon or chocolate, just don’t ‘flipping’ burn them – that’s our advice this #PancakeDay as new figures show firefighters were called to six cooking-related fires in #London every day last year. https://t.co/XKrKEnnDQD pic.twitter.com/APkX7heEy5
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) February 13, 2018
Just last year, London’s fire crews dealt with 2,458 cooking-related fires, 248 of which resulted in injuries.
It has been less than two months since 2018 began, yet London Fire Brigade has already been called to deal with 210 cooking-related fires, which caused 26 injuries.
Here are some cooking safety instructions provided by the London Fire Brigade.
How to prevent cooking fires?
1. Never leave your cooking unattended.
2. Do not start cooking if you are feeling unwell, drowsy or under the influence of any substances.
3. Make sure not to keep easily inflammable items next to the hob, such as paper towels etc.
4. Avoid build up of grease as it can catch fire.
5. Preferably use spark devices to light gas cookers.
6. Always check your cooker is turned off after you finish.
7. Make sure your toasters are away from sources of flame.
8. Never put anything metal in the microwave.
9. Never use barbecue inside of the house or on the balcony.
10. Supervise children and pets in the kitchen.
What to do if the pan catches fire?
1. Do not be tempted to tackle the fire yourself or move the pan around.
2. Never throw water over fire as it can create a fireball.
3. Try to turn off the heat if it is safe.
4. Leave the room, close the door, and call 999.
How to take care when using a deep fat fryer?
1. Make sure the hot oil does not overheat. If the oil starts to smoke, it’s too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool.
2. Never fill a pan more than one-third full of fat or oil.
3. Make sure the food is dry before using it.
4. Use an electronic deep fat fryer if possible.
