Person rescued after falling asleep while cooking
Firefighters rescued a person whose flat had filled with smoke after they fell asleep while cooking.
Crews from Basildon were called to a flat near Blackmores, Laindon today at 12.25am, after a neighbour heard a smoke alarm sounding.
Watch Manager Mark Blakebrough said: "The resident had left a pan with some oil on the cooker and fallen asleep, causing the flat to fill with smoke.
"Crews had to force entry and get the person out of the flat. Unfortunately, they suffered with smoke inhalation.
"They gave the resident first aid and made sure the fire was fully extinguished.
"Please make sure you do not leave your cooking unattended, if you need to leave the room always turn the hob or cooker off."
"Thankfully there was a working smoke alarm in the flat and a neighbour heard it sounding and called 999."
The resident was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.
Cooking safety
More than half of accidental fires in the home are started by cooking - it can be incredibly dangerous if you don't take precautions:
- Don't leave children in the kitchen alone when cooking on the hob
- Keep matches and saucepan handles out of their reach
- Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob
- Double check the cooker is off when you’ve finished cooking
- Take care if you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking, take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk
- Don't cook if you are tired, taking medication that makes your drowsy or have been drinking alcohol
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