Christmas dinner catches fire

Wednesday 16 December
18.52 Kennington Avenue, Ashley Down, Bristol

Five students had a lucky escape after their oven caught fire.

When firefighters arrived on the scene they found the girls outside of the property and unhurt.

Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the premises and found a fire at the rear of the house in the kitchen.

It appears the students had been cooking a Christmas meal and left a greasy foil tray in the oven. As the oven got hotter the tray caught fire.

Fortunately the girls were alerted to the fire just as the smoke alarm activated and they got themselves out of the house and dialled 999. A neighbour then ran into the house with a dry powder extinguisher and attempted to put the fire out.

Firefighters made sure the fire was fully out by using a high pressure hose reel and a positive pressure ventilation fan was used to clear the smoke.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service would like to remind people to take care when cooking, especially at this time of year, and to always ensure cooking appliances are kept clean, as a build up of grease and oil can catch fire.

Fortunately in this case no one was hurt but the kitchen was damaged by smoke and powder from the fire extinguisher.