Panic - no pan-ic - Firefighters warn about the dangers of kitchen fires with demonstration outside Westminster Cathedral

Published: 17 September 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM

FIREFIGHTERS warned about the dangers of kitchen fires in an eye catching demonstration outside Westminster Cathedral at the weekend.

The ball of flames was caused by water being poured into a pan of hot oil.

New figures reveal that there were 630 kitchen fires in the borough over the last five years, resulting in one death and 70 injuries.

Archie Chandler, London Fire Brigade’s borough commander for Westminster, said: “Kitchen fires are a real concern for us and the most frustrating thing is they can usually be prevented. 

“Most people think it won’t happen to them but the figures speak for themselves.”

Safety tips include never leaving kitchen appliances unattended, keeping ovens and hobs free from grease and never throwing water onto hot oil 

or fat.