University students in Bristol are being warned to pay special attention to cooking safely as the new term gets under way.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service is working alongside the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England (UWE) with students who have left home for the first time or may be living in shared accommodation.

Between October 2008 and August 2009, firefighters received 23 fire calls, approximately two a month, to student halls of residence and accommodation. Approximately 78 per cent of the fires attended started in the kitchen as a result of cooking left unattended or the occupant falling asleep while cooking.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service community safety officer for Bristol, Jon Burns, said: "With many students leaving home for the first time, some will never have had to cook their own meals and this could be a recipe for disaster.

"Cooking left unattended can lead to a serious fire, which not only damages property and possessions but can also endanger life. We are working with the universities to highlight cooking safely and we will be attending a number of events in the first few weeks of term reminding students to take care."

Firefighters will be handing out leaflets with the message 'watch what you heat' and also running an interactive demonstration.