Firefighters in Cheshire East have issued a warning to residents following a number of kitchen fires in the area.
Crews were called to four fires involving kitchens and cookers in three days, in the Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Crewe and Sandbach areas so they are requesting that people be more careful when cooking.
On Monday, May 9th crews attended three fires relating to cooking and kitchens, one of which occurred in Egerton Road, Wilmslow. Just after midnight crews attended the kitchen fire, caused by an unattended cooker, and rescued one man from his home.
Alex Waller, Unitary Performance Manager for Cheshire East said: "This week we have seen four separate incidents in Cheshire East, which involved cooking or kitchens.
"It is extremely important that residents take extra care when using cookers and always ensure that nothing is ever placed on the cooker top at any time and that cookers are never left unattended, as this action limits the risk of fire.
"I would also like to remind residents that they should never tackle a fire themselves. They are advised to leave the property immediately, dial 999 and ask for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service."
The fire service has issued the following cooking safety advice:
• Keep electrical leads away from the cooker and from water
• Clothing and tea towels should be kept away from the cooker
• Do not move a pan that is on fire and never throw water over it
• Turn off the heat under the pan if it is safe to do so and allow it to cool completely
• If a pan catches fire, do not take risks - get everyone out of your home and call the fire and rescue service
• Do not leave pans on the hob when you are not around - take them off the heat if you have to leave the kitchen
• If deep fat frying, never fill the pan more than one third full as you are heating oil to extremely high temperatures - ideal conditions for a fire
• In the event of a power cut or failure of your fuel supply, make sure any alternative cooking equipment to be used is working properly and safely before use
Visit the Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service website to carry out a Home Safety Direct assessment, which only takes 5 minutes.
HSAs can also be booked via the Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service website or by calling freephone 0800 389 0053.
