RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

September 28, 1998
CHIPS REVEAL 'CAVALIER' ATTITUDE TO FIRE

Fire Safety Week September 23 - October 3

The humble British chip is an indicator of people’s lack of respect for fire, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said today.

With Fire Safety Week beginning on Monday (September 28), latest figures show an 11 per cent increase in chip pan fires - around 11,300 a year. Such fires lead to 30 deaths and injury to 3,000 people a year.

RoSPA Product Safety Adviser, David Jenkins, said: "This is just part of a worrying increase in house fires.

"As we predicted, the number of fires started by candles - including those used for decoration and in aromatherapy oil burners - has also gone up by more than 10 per cent to 1,375.

"This indicates a lack of vigilance by many people, and an almost cavalier attitude by others towards fire safety - despite the fact that the latest figures show 590 deaths in house fires each year.

"People must begin to take more care or things will only get worse. It is distressing to see so many unnecessary deaths and disfiguring injuries - particularly among young children.

"We all have a responsibility to demonstrate a respect for fire. Following basic safety guidelines like never leaving chip pans or candles unattended or near anything that could catch fire could save many lives."