Firefighters in Aberdeen have issued advice to residents in an attempt to reduce the risk of kitchen fires.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service hopes its guidance will help householders understand the common hazards that can very easily be addressed.
Local area liaison officer Craig Shand said: “Most house fires begin in the kitchen where a moment’s distraction while cooking can quickly lead to a serious fire breaking out.
“The advice from SFRS is that if the fire is in its early stages, and only when safe to do so, turn off the heat, close the door, get out of the kitchen and call the fire service.”
Working smoke alarms were also said to be essential to preventing tragedies and helping firefighters bring fires under control before they spread.
Mr Shand also urged people to ditch their “notoriously dangerous” chip pans in favour of deep fat fryers, which were the safer option.
He added: “If people do opt to use traditional chip pans they should never leave it unattended or cook under the influence of drink or drugs.”
Heat alarms can also be installed in kitchens to provide early warning of an emerging danger without being activated by smoke produced from cooking.
For more information or to organise a home visit call the freephone number 0800 073 1999 or text ‘FIRE’ to 80800.
The short visits can also be arranged online at www.firescotland.gov.uk