Anyone cooking themselves some tasty chips for dinner could be forgiven for not knowing what to do if the pan engulfs into a huge ball of flames.

However for the firefighters at Ilford Fire Station - it is all in a day’s work.

They had set their own chip pan on fire as part of the station’s open day which attracted hundreds of people on Sunday.

Visitors got a chance to see what goes on behind the doors of the fire station in High Road, Ilford and pick up some safety tips while they were at it.

Borough fire commander Steve Brown said: “It was very good. People had a chance to see our firefighters in the flesh. Visitors said it was good to see the fire station with the doors open and get an idea of what we can do.”

For anyone who does find themselves confronted with a chip pan fire, Mr Brown says you should turn your back to it, close the door, make sure everyone is out the building and call the fire brigade.

He said: “Don’t put water on an oil fire. Water expands and the steam pushes the oil out of the pan. It’s not an explosion but the oil will engulf the kitchen.”

Representatives from the police cadets were also at the open day and gave self-defence lessons as well as safety tips to visitors.

Also on hand to give advice was Victim Support as well as the neighbourhood police team from Clementswood. The open day was the last this year by the three fire stations in Redbridge.

Mr Brown said: “They were all really good with thousands of people given the opportunity to visit our three fire stations. I’m very grateful for all the hard work and I’m looking forward to the ones next year.”

If you would like to arrange a free home fire safety visit from the fire brigade email info@london-fire.gov.uk or visit www.london-fire.gov.uk.