Surrey Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to stand by their pans during National Chip Week, which runs until Sunday (February 26).

The organisation said that the county’s firefighters were called out to 138 cooking-related emergencies during the 2010/11 financial year.

Of those, it added, 19 were caused by chip pans or deep fat fryers going up in flames.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service officer Paul Otway said: “Chip pans and deep fat fryers should never be left unattended.

“Even a moment’s distraction can have potentially devastating consequences.

“Always stand by your pan and if you are called away from the kitchen, make sure you take the pans of the heat.

“Oven chips are a safer option but if you do insist on deep fat frying then please take extra care.

“Chips will quite rightly be on the menu for many people this week and by taking our advice there is no reason why people can’t enjoy tucking in during National Chip Week without the need to call 999.”