HOUNSLOW'S firefighters are calling on people to take extra care in the kitchen following the release of worrying new figures.

Stats show that there were over 440 kitchen fires in the borough in the last five years, causing injury to over 100 people and two deaths.

Phil Butler, London Fire Brigade's Borough Commander for Hounslow, said: "Kitchen fires are a real concern for us and the most frustrating this is that they can usually be prevented. Simple mistakes can often lead to serious fires.

"Most people think it wont happen to them but the figures speak for themselves, it can happen and it has; to over 400 people in our borough."

Kitchen fires are often caused by cooking that has been left unattended. Ovens and hobs being accidentally left on are also a concern, as are chip pans and items being left too close to cookers. A large number of serious kitchen fires also begin when people have been drinking alcohol.

In a bid to reduce the number of fires in kitchens, London Fire Brigade is launching its first ever kitchen fire safety campaign this week – COOKSAFE. A series of events will take place across London, aimed at highlighting the fire risks associated with kitchens. The Brigade has also produced a 'recipes for disaster' booklet to highlight how easily kitchen fires can start.

The main COOKSAFE event takes place at Borough Market on Friday September 10, where firefighters, along with a top chef, will show shoppers how to sizzle safely.