Cooking left unattended causes kitchen fire

Crews were called to a fire in Archer Avenue, Southend this afternoon, when a pan was left unattended and caught alight.

Firefighters were called to a fire in property in Southend at 2:17pm, when a neighbour heard a smoke alarm and noticed smoke coming from the window next door.

On arrival, crews confirmed that there was a fire in the kitchen, which had been caused by a pan which was left on the hob unattended.

Firefighters from Southend worked quickly to extinguish the fire by 2:29pm.

Watch Manager at Southend Fire Station, Scott Ford, said “This is a great example of how smoke alarms can alert neighbours and passersby to a fire in your home when you’re out. We’re urging Essex residents to make sure they have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of their homes, and to test them at least once a month.

“The crews worked hard to extinguish the fire quickly, preventing additional damage to the property.”

Please follow our safety advice for cooking safely:

• Take care when cooking with oil - it gets very got and can set alight easily
• Don't leave cooking unattended, and never leave the house while the oven or hob is in use
• Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking on the hob.  Keep matches and saucepan handles out of their reach to keep them safe
• Make sure saucepan handles don’t stick out – so they don’t get knocked off the stove
• Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob
• Double check the cooker is off when you’ve finished cooking

Do you have working smoke alarms in your home?

Smoke alarms save lives. They can alert your family as well as your neighbours and passers-by to a fire in your home if you're not home, or are unable to hear it.

If you or someone you know doesn’t have working smoke alarms, please get in touch. Visit essex-fire.gov.uk/book or call 0300 303 0088.