FIREFIGHTERS have issued guidelines on dealing with chip-pan fires following a demonstration in Erith High Street.

Once the heat is turned off, they advise carefully placing a wet tea towel over the hot chip pan to reduce the risk of serious fire.

Firemen stress once the chip pan is covered, the public should leave the premises immediately and wait for the fire brigade to deal with the pan.

Hot chip pan fires have the potential to re-ignite and it is essential members of the fire brigade check whether the chip pan is safe to be approached.