Tuesday 8 December
20.37 Macfarlane Chase, Weston-super-Mare
One person was taken to hospital suffering from the effects of
smoke inhalation after a chip pan caught alight.
Four appliances from Weston-super-Mare Fire Station were
called to the three storey block of flats when the fire broke
out. Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the
property and used a hose reel to deal with the blaze. The
fire caused severe damage to the kitchen but firefighters were
able to prevent the flames spreading into a loft.
At the time of the fire a male and female in the flat were
cooking chips in a pan of oil. After leaving the kitchen for a
short time they started to smell smoke and discovered the fire. The
woman is thought to have made attempts to fight the fire
herself, inhaling some of the black smoke in the process.
They then called 999 and left the property. The female was
treated by firefighters at the scene, before being conveyed to
hospital by ambulance.
More than 50 per cent of house fires attended by Avon Fire &
Rescue Service start in the kitchen. Chip pans are one of the most
dangerous ways of cooking and should not be used if at
all possible.
If you discover a fire in your home you should get out, stay out
and call 999. Trying to fight a fire can result in you
inhaling potentially lethal amounts of smoke which can cause
serious injury and even death.
If you would like more information on seasonal fire safety,
including cooking safety tips, take a look at our online Advent Calendar and Keep
Warm, Keep Safe with a safety message for every day of the festive
season.