Cooking fires, chip pans and more
Most house fires start in the kitchen and many are linked to cooking. Whether you're using a hob, grill, or fryer, taking a few simple precautions can dramatically reduce the risk of fire.
Chip pans in particular are extremely hazardous and should be avoided where possible.
Cooking fire risks
- Leaving food unattended is one of the main causes of kitchen fires.
- Chip pans and hot oil can easily overheat and ignite.
- Loose clothing, tea towels, or packaging left near hobs can catch fire.
- Alcohol or tiredness while cooking can lead to mistakes or distractions.
Chip pan dangers
Traditional chip pans are one of the most common causes of serious house fires in the UK. They heat oil to high temperatures and can catch fire quickly if left unattended, overheated, or if water gets into the pan.
If you still use a chip pan:
- Never fill it more than one-third full of oil.
- Dry food before frying – water can cause oil to splatter or ignite.
- Never leave it unattended – fires can start in seconds.
- Turn off the heat if the oil starts to smoke.
- Keep children and pets out of the kitchen while cooking.
Safer ways to cook
Consider switching to a safer alternative:
- Air fryers - low-oil cooking with built-in temperature control
- Electric deep fat fryers – safer than open pans, with automatic shut-off features
- Oven baking or grilling – healthier and lower fire risk
These methods reduce the chance of oil fires and are more energy-efficient.
If a fire starts while cooking
- Turn off the heat if it’s safe to do so.
- Never use water on an oil fire – it can cause a fireball.
- Don’t move the pan – this can spread the flames or cause injury.
- Use a fire blanket or close-fitting lid to smother small fires if trained.
- Get out, stay out, and call 999 immediately.
Stay protected
- Keep a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, and install a carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a fuel-burning appliance, such as a boiler, wood burner, or open fire.
- Test your alarms regularly.
- Have an escape plan and make sure everyone in the household knows it.
- If a fire does start, get out, stay out, and call 999.
- For more information visit Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service's safety at home section, or Fire Kills