Traditionally Shrove Tuesday marks the beginning of Lent, when hundreds of people throughout the country make pancakes, before they begin a 40 day fast. When you are distracted by the haunting image of a delicious, warm pancake sprinkled with lemon juice and sugar, fire safety may not be at the forefront of your mind! However, fat and chip pan fires can be devastating, with a very high proportion of fires resulting in injuries.

Gareth Griffiths from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said:"Making pancakes can be lots of fun for the whole family and they certainly can be delicious. However, over 50% of all accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen so please take care, especially when cooking with hot oil."

Gareth offers the following safety tips -

When using a frying pan or cooking with hot oil, remember:

- Never leave the pan unattended when the heat is switched on

- Do NOT move the pan if it is on fire!

If the pan does catch fire:

- Don't take any risks. Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so. Never throw water over it.

- Don't tackle the fire yourself.

- GET OUT, STAY OUT, CALL 999.

"And when you have finished cooking, make sure that all the appliances are turned off and the cooking area is clear," added Gareth.

A working smoke alarm will greatly increase your chances of escaping unharmed. Have a plan and follow it - know exactly which way you will leave the house, and know where you will go.

Stay alive, stay safe, and make sure the alarm works properly;

- Test your smoke alarm(s) every week

- Change the battery every year (unless it's a 10 year alarm)

- Clean it out properly at least twice every year, by vacuuming the inside.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service offer free home fire safety checks, where a member of the Service will visit your home, give fire safety hints and tips, help you to formulate a fire escape plan and fit new alarms - all free of charge. This service is available to all residents in North Wales.

To register for a free home fire safety check, please call the 24 hour free hotline on 0800 169 1234, e-mail cfs@nwales-fireservice.org.uk or visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk.