Fire crews chip pan fire warning

Firefighters in Berkshire and Oxfordshire are urging people to take more care, as part of a national campaign warning about chip pan fires.

The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Oxfordshire Fire Rescue have issued tips to keep people safe.

Research shows more accidental house fires start in the kitchen than any other room.

In 2005 alone, 30,512 kitchen blazes were reported across Britain. National Chip Week is due to end on 17 February.

Mick Bingham, from Oxfordshire County Council's Fire and Rescue service, said: "Rather than using chip pans, which can be dangerous, we are calling on people to consider healthier, safer alternatives like oven chips.

"Chip pans can cause fatal fires - for a far safer, superior and tastier chip we say banish the chip pan and don't take the risk."

Top tips from both fire brigades include not cooking after drinking alcohol and if there is a blaze avoiding the temptation to tackle it.