Keep a cool head in the kitchen on February 21st

Many domestic fires start in the kitchen when grills and pots are left unattended - or fat and oil spill from pans.

February 21st sees the start of National Chip Week which is a celebration of the nation’s favourite food - but firefighters hope to encourage people to take care when preparing french fries at home.

“Fat and oil pans can so easily start a fire - we do advise people to use safer electric deep fat fryers or buy oven chips,” says Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service Community Safety Manager Vicky Allen.

No Smoking Day on March 9th is another focus point for fire safety as more than 100 fires were started last year locally - caused by cigarette materials.

“A carelessly discarded cigarette will smoulder and could lead to a fire overnight,” explained Vicky, “and without a working smoke alarm to alert you and your family, you could be overcome by the fumes as you sleep. We ask people to think about that when lighting up a cigarette.”

Chief Fire Officer Paul Fuller says: “The single most important thing people can do to stay safe in their homes is to fit a smoke alarm

“If a fire starts overnight then you and your family may not live to see the next morning - please fit one today.”

For more local fire safety information go to www.bedsfire.com