DEVON and Somerset Fire and Rescue is urging people to ensure that this year’s pancake day is a safe one.

Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday marks the beginning of Lent, when hundreds of people throughout the country make delicious pancakes, before they begin a 40 day fast – and a fire service statement said:

“Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service realise that fire safety may not be at the forefront of your mind, when you have the temptation of a tasty pancake, sprinkled with lemon juice and sugar in front of you. But it is important to keep an eye on the pan as well as the pancakes.

“Never leave any cooking or kitchen appliances unattended. It only takes a few seconds for an unattended pan or cooker to ignite and develop into a serious and life threatening fire.

"If the pan does catch fire, do not move the pan and never put the food in the pan if the oil begins to give off smoke Keep the oven, hob and grill clean, a build-up of fat and grease can catch fire.”