Chip pan fire fighting demonstrations could become a thing of the past in Oxfordshire, after concerns they could encourage people to tackle blazes themselves.

Oxfordshire County Council has scaled down the number of chip pan demonstrations - once a common feature of village fetes and a key part of safety advice given to schoolchildren.

Station manager Julian Green is in charge of risk reduction for the county council's fire and rescue service.

He said: "Our existing demonstration unit was used around eight times over the past two years at events such as fire station open days. However, its continued use is currently under review."

Information on how to tackle chip pan fires has been considered a priority in the past as pouring water on a blaze involving hot oil increases the fire, rather than putting it out.

Mr Green said: "This decision is largely due to a reduction in chip pan fires as fewer people choose to cook in this way.

"However, there has also been a nationwide move towards encouraging people to exit their property rather than tackle fires.

"Government messages are also focusing on the importance of working smoke alarms to warn you of fire, rather than fighting fires."