Don’t drink and cook, say fire chiefs

FIRE service chiefs in South Yorkshire are urging revellers not to cook when they’ve had too much to drink – and to buy a takeaway instead.

By The Newsroom

Published 16th Dec 2011, 06:00 BST

Alcohol-related fires double in December and the week before Christmas is expected to be one of the busiest weeks in terms of parties.

A spokesman for the fire service said that cooking when drunk “greatly increases the risk of someone having a serious fire.”

Diane Malpass, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s head of community safety, said: “More people drink at Christmas, whether it’s at the work party or catching up with friends.

“Our message is simple, if you’ve had too much to drink, don’t go home and attempt to cook.

“Too many fires start when someone has passed out, leaving a pizza in the oven or a pan on the hob and it can be fatal.

“If you are planning a big night out, then plan on having a takeaway on the way home.”

People can also support the campaign by uploading pictures of their takeaways to South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s Facebook page, to be in with the chance of winning a £20 restaurant voucher.