A FAMILY has been described as ‘very lucky’ after they threw water on a chip-pan fire which gutted their kitchen.
When the blaze broke out at the family’s Manor Estate home they quickly called 999 but while they waited for firefighters, they threw a bucket of water over the pan in a bid to extinguish it – something fire chiefs say could have potentially lethal consequences.
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Crew Commander Mark Height said: “On this occasion the residents were very lucky.
“They did all the right things by calling the fire service and closing the interior doors, which stopped the fire spreading any further than the kitchen.
“However, we would never recommend tackling a fire of any size, especially a fire involving hot oil. We would always recommend that you get out, stay out and call 999 and wait for the fire service to arrive.”
The family – two adults and six children – were given oxygen after suffering mild smoke inhalation during the fire which happened on Tuesday February 10.
The kitchen was gutted and the rest of the house smoke damaged. The family was forced to spend the night elsewhere. Firefighters have since fitted smoke detectors in the house.
Warwickshire County Council’s community safety spokesman Coun Les Caborn said: “This one chip pan fire highlights just how devastating they can be.
“If you are still using an old style pan, perhaps now is the time to consider investing in a temperature controlled deep-fat fryer or switching to oven chips to help prevent the worst.
“Our priority would always be to get out and let the fire service deal with the fire. Your home can be replaced – your life can’t!”
There were 140 kitchen fires in Warwickshire last year – 18 of which were caused by chip pans being left unattended.
The kitchen was destroyed by the chip pan fire. (s)
