The fire service have issued a half-term warning to parents as their children spend more time in the potentially hazardous kitchen.

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) encourages parents and carers to use kitchen activities as an opportunity to teach children about safety, particularly when revolving around a hot hob, or an oven.

The initiative is a part of the Fire Kills campaign.

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Head of prevention at HWFRS, Emma Roberts, said: "There are lots of creative ways to teach kids about cooking fire safety.

"And, it’s absolutely vital that they know what to do if the worst should happen.

"So, alongside the melting, mixing and making, why not take the chance to pass on your fire safety knowhow?

"Test your smoke alarms as part of the activity.

"And remember, never leave a child alone with a hot hob, and help keep them safe by moving matches and saucepan handles out of their reach.”

This call to safety isn't just restricted to children.

Distractions while cooking have been identified as a major cause of fire call-outs countrywide.

Ms Roberts added: Half of all accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen - often because of distractions like phone calls or family.

"So, whatever happens elsewhere in your home, always make sure you have one eye on the hob or oven."

Therefore, for everyone's safety, HWFRS has said it's critical to check that the hob and oven are off after cooking, avoid leaving children alone in the kitchen and ensure all appliances are clean and in good working order.

In the event of a fire, rather than trying to tackle it, the best course of action is to get out, stay out, and call 999.

Residents can get a free home fire safety check at www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc/, or by contacting the HWFRS Prevention team on 0800 032 1155.