North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is asking the public to ‘Ban the Pan’ this National Chip Week (16th-23rd February).

Last year firefighters attended 127 house fires that were caused by cooking – with 27 of these as a direct result of a chip pan.

These kinds of fires can be incredibly dangerous - leaving a chip pan unattended for any length of time can have disastrous results as the oil can easily overheat and ignite.

To highlight the risks associated with using chip pans, North Fire and Rescue Service is promoting a ‘Ban the Pan’ Campaign across social media this week – follow #banthepan on Twitter and keep an eye out for a competition on Facebook @Northwalesfireservice.

Stuart Millington, Senior Fire Safety Manager for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Some people assume that cooking chips in a pan of hot oil is a thing of the past, but we know from the incidents our crews attend that this still happens.

“Our message is simple – now’s the time to get rid of your chip pan! Oven chips or using a healthy fryer are a far safer and healthier way to enjoy your chips.

“If people do choose to fry then please don't be tempted to leave cooking unattended. We strongly advise using a thermostat-controlled deep-fat fryer, which will make sure the fat doesn't get too hot.

“If you are unlucky enough to have a chip pan fire, please don't put yourself at risk by trying to tackle it yourself, especially not with water – this could put your life in serious danger. Get out and call 999"

• Here are some tips from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service on frying safely;
• Don't overfill a chip pan with oil - never fill it more than one-third full.
• Be careful that it doesn't overheat - hot oil can catch fire easily.
• Use a thermostat-controlled deep-fat fryer, which will make sure the fat doesn't get too hot.
• Never throw water on a chip pan fire.
• Don't cook after drinking alcohol.
• Have an escape route in place.
• Don't take risks by tackling a fire. Get out, stay out and call 999.
• Get a smoke alarm and test it weekly.