Issued: 10.10.07
At: 11:00am
For immediate release

Flat Fire Caused By Unattended Chip Pan

At approximately 11:35pm last night, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
received a call to a flat fire on Russell Street in Loughborough.
Crews from Loughborough Fire and Rescue Station attended to find smoke coming
from the first floor flat.

Firefighters entered the building wearing breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire
using a hose real jet. The property was then ventilated.
One person was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene. The cause of the fire was
believed to have been an unattended chip pan. The entire flat was damaged by heat
and smoke.

Trevor McIlwaine, Loughborough Station Manager, said:

‘This is extremely disappointing for us given all of the hard work
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service undertakes to educate people to the
dangers of cooking with hot oil.
I would like to encourage people to replace their old style chip pans and oven
cook or microwave their chips instead. I would also like to encourage people
to fit a working smoke alarm within their property.

Make sure that you check your alarms are working correctly on a regular basis and never remove the batteries from a working alarm.
Smoke alarms are cheap and easy to get hold of and when used properly,
they are real lifesavers! There’s no excuse for not having one.
Fortunately the occupant of this property was able to get out unharmed, but
not everyone is so lucky’

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service can fit smoke detectors at the same time as
a Home Fire Safety Check, we are particularly trying to target vulnerable groups
within the community.
If you would like to find out more about Home Fire Safety Checks then please call
0116 287 2241 to ask for a visit.’
- ENDS -
Notes to News Desk
Contact Information
For more information please contact
Amanda Kelly-Pike
Marketing and Publicity Co-ordinator
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
Tel 0116 287 2241

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