Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Truro Road, St Austell at 08/09/2016 00:51

Two fire appliances from St Austell Community Fire Station responded when a neighbour reported that a smoke alarm was sounding in a flat and that there was a smell of smoke. Firefighters entered the flat to discover that there had been a small fire in an oven involving food and the occupant was still asleep.

Thanks to the neighbour who made the 999 call the occupant was not harmed. If the smoke alarm had not alerted the neighbour, the fire may have developed causing lethal amounts of smoke.

Fire Safety Advice:
Cook safely

Most kitchen fires occur when people are distracted or leave things unattended, so remember:
•if you're called away from the cooker - by the phone or someone at the door, for example - take pans off the heat
•don't let yourself be distracted while cooking
•don't cook if you're affected by alcohol or prescription drugs
•turn saucepans so that their handles don't stick out (and aren't over another ring)
•don't put oven gloves or tea-towels down onto the hot cooker after you've used them
•clean your grill pan after using it.

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/community-and-living/cornwall-fire-and-rescue-service-homepage/keeping-safe/fire-safety/fire-safety-at-home/prevent-a-fire-in-your-home/kitchen-fires/