Chip pan fire destroys kitchen

Firefighters were called to a kitchen fire in Canvey this evening (Monday 17 May).

When fire crews arrived they reported that a chip pan had caught on fire. Firefighters quickly put the fire out and stopped the fire sprading beyond the kitchen.

Watch Manager Gary Clarke said: "The oocupant had put the chip pan on the hob and left it for a short time. But even in that short amount of time, the oil had overheated and caught alight. The occupant then put a wet tea-towel on the fire thinking that would be the right thing, but in fact you should never put any sort of water or damp towel on hot oil. 

"It's common misconception that a damp tea towel should be used on cooking fires, but we want everyone to know that if you have a fire while cooking, the safest thing to do it to get out, stay out and call the fire service out."

When deep fat frying:

• Take care when cooking with hot oil – it sets alight easily.
• Make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil so it doesn’t splash.
• If the oil starts to smoke – it’s too hot.  Turn off the heat and leave it to cool.
• Use a thermostat controlled electric deep fat fryer. They can’t overheat.
• If your pan catches fire, turn off the heat if it is safe to do so. Never throw water over it.

Could you be an on-call firefighter?

Canvey Fire Station is recruting on-call firefighters, so if you who live or work within 5 minutes of the station we could be paying you to help protect your community.

To find out more visit join.essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call