Oakham house fire caused by chip pan leads to safety warning from firefighters
Firefighters have issued a warning about the danger of chip pans after a dripping tap turned a small fire into a huge blaze.
Crews were called out to a fire in Oakham on Tuesday night where flames had engulfed the kitchen of a ground-floor flat.
A chip pan had caught fire but it flared up when a drop of water fell onto it from the tap.
A woman suffered burns to her arms but managed to escape with her four-year-old daughter before the crews arrived.
Firefighters have warned her injuries would have been much worse if she had deliberately poured water on the pan.
Firefighter Paul Heaney said: “The chip pan had overheated so the occupier took it to the sink, but there was a drip from the tap which made it flare up.
“It can be devastating if there is more than a drop of water on an oil fire.
“If you put on a full amount, you would do well to get out of the room.”
The fire broke out at about 9.20pm in Derwent Drive.
Crews from Oakham, Uppingham and Melton were on the scene until around 1am to put out the fire and make sure the flat and surrounding properties were safe.
They gave first aid at the scene before the woman was taken by ambulance to Peterborough City Hospital for further treatment.
Neighbour Maggie Filochowska praised their response.
She said: “The fire engine was there within minutes and the firefighters were amazing with everyone.
"They were so friendly and told us what we needed to do."
The kitchen was gutted by the flames and the whole property has suffered smoke damage.
Fire crews will be visiting neighbouring properties this week to reassure residents and offer fire safety advice.
Firefighter Heaney said: “If a chip pan catches fire, our advice is to turn off the heat, get out and call 999.
“You can use a fire blanket or a damp, wrung out tea towel but should only do this if you feel comfortable doing so.”
You should never pour water onto an oil fire because it will cause the oil to expand and create a fireball.
The fire service recommends people use a thermostat controlled electric deep fat fryer.
The flat is owned by Longhurst Group.
A spokesman said: “We are aware of a chip pan fire inside one of our properties in Oakham and remain in close contact with the customer affected, who has arranged alternative accommodation until they are able to return to their home.
“We will continue to offer support and will review the situation going forward, as our contractors complete the necessary repair work as soon as possible.
“While the fire was contained within the single property, representatives from our housing team have checked with all neighbours to ensure they are OK.
“Our contractors will also clean communal areas that have been affected by smoke.
“Longhurst Group takes fire safety extremely seriously and we issue advice to all our customers when they join us. We would urge all our customers to refer to that advice to keep them safe inside their home.”
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has shared this warning video.