Chip Pan Fire Three Days before National Chip Week!

Crews from Hanley and Newcastle as well as the aerial ladder platform from Longton were called to a block of flats on Union Street in Hanley at 10.10am this morning.
On arrival they found a 48 year old woman outside suffering from smoke inhalation, she received precautionary checks from paramedics. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered her second floor flat and used one hose reel jet to tackle a chip pan fire.

Station Manager, Stan Cooper said: “We have already issued a warning this week in preparation for National Chip Week about taking care in the kitchen, especially when using a chip pan.

“It is essential that due care and attention is given when cooking and we would urge people to remain in the kitchen until they are finished cooking. It doesn’t take long for a chip pan to overheat and catch fire which is why we always recommend using a deep fat fryer instead, as they are thermostatically controlled which means they can’t overheat.

“Luckily, the woman was able to get out of her flat before the fire got any worse and waited outside for our arrival. Hanley crews will remain at the scene for the rest of the morning checking surrounding flats and offering free Home Fire Risk Checks to other residents. They will also check the smoke alarms fitted throughout the building are all still working as they should.”

The incident was closed at 11.00am.

To book a free Home Fire Risk Check contact: 0800 0241 999. You can also book online at http://www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/1399.asp. For all other non emergency enquiries contact: 08451 22 11 55 or log onto: www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk or www.direct.gov.uk/firekills. In an emergency dial 999.