FIREFIGHTERS are holding fire safety events in Fenland next week as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers within kitchens.

New figures show that half of all accidental fires start in the kitchen with 620 between April 2008 and 2011. One person was killed in the fires and another 23 were injured.

Thursdays and Sundays are the most common days fires start in the kitchen and the most likely times are between 11am and 2pm and 4pm to 9pm.

On Thursday, November 17, firefighters will be holding chip fire demonstrations in the Horsefair Centre, Wisbech, between 9am and 3pm. They hold a similar demonstration in Sainsbury’s, in March, the following day at the same times.

On Sunday, November 20, fire safety advice will be given to shoppers at Wisbech Market Place.

Andy Tucker, risk manager for Cambridge Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It’s easy to see why you are more likely to have a fire in the kitchen than any other room in your home.

“As well as containing more fire-starting equipment (ovens, microwaves, washing machines, grill pans) than any other room in the home, it’s also an excellent place to be distracted by children, phone calls, partners or the doorbell.

“As we all know, distraction of any kind while cooking can very easily start a fire.

“To try and remind people to stay fire safety conscious, firefighters across the county are heading to the streets next week with the vital question ‘How safe is your kitchen?’

“We recommend you to visit them and find out more, or at the very least, look at our top ten kitchen safety tips or try the competition on our website to self-assess your own chance of having a kitchen fire.”