Chip pan alley targeted in fire prevention campaign

WARRINGTON’S “chip pan alley” has been targeted in a campaign to cut the number of house fires – and also reduce the risk of residents getting cardio vascular disease.
The Bewsey, Dallam, Orford and Longford areas have been identified as having the highest number of people using chip pans – so residents have been offered a “chip pan amnesty” swap campaign.
Golden Gates Housing, Cheshire Fire Service and the borough council’s public health team joined forces to organise the campaign.
Residents have been offered the chance to swap their chip pans for a newer and safer deep fat fryer or air fryer.
Last year, 271 people died or were injured in house fires in the UK and a number of these were caused by chip pans.
The damage caused by these fires cost significant amounts to repair, with average costs estimated at over £70,000 per property.
Chip pans are also associated with high fat diets and an increased chance of getting Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD).
Rates in Warrington are 17 per cent above the average for England and CVD is the biggest cause of reduced life expectancy in Warrington.
It is hoped that the safe removal of old chip pans and installation of new safer fryers will reduce the risk of house fires.
Over a period of two days more than 60 new air fryers and deep fat fryers were given out.
The fire service also had their new fire demonstration unit out in the areas showing what kitchen fire damage looks like and helping people to spot the dangers of fire hazards.
Homes were also checked for fire hazards and advice given on healthy eating and recipes.
Golden Gates Housing chairman Roy Smith said: “Here at GGHT we are committed to making our homes safer and healthier. Residents swapping their old unsafe chip pan for a new deep fat fryer or air fryer is one way we are achieving this”.
Picture: Staff from GGHT and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service with residents from Orford during the swap.