Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to reduce the chance of having a fatal fire in your home by throwing away their traditional chip pans during National Chip Week (February 15-21).

Steve Davies, deputy head of community safety, explained: “While the use of traditional chip pans has declined in recent years; MAWWFRS attended 41 chip pan related incidents in 2015, including 11 in Pembrokeshire.

“We recommend that you just throw the pans away all together as it could take just one distraction that could ultimately result in a devastating incident.

“Rather than deep frying, why not choose oven chips instead. Not only are they safer to cook, but they’re lower in fat too. If you are going to fry your chips, use a thermostat-controlled deep-fat fryer, which will make sure the fat doesn’t get too hot and ignite.

“With chips the nation’s favourite takeaway, and as we are in the midst of the Six Nations, why not visit your local chippy. If you’ve had a few drinks, it’ll be much safer than cooking yourself.

“Remember, in the event of a fire always Get Out, Stay Out, Call 999.”