Family escape Middleton chip pan blaze

A family from Middleton had a lucky escape after a chip pan ignited and engulfed their kitchen in flames.

Crews from Heywood were called to the terraced house on Abbey Road at around 6.45pm on Thursday 13 September.

Four firefighters in breathing apparatus used two hose reels to tackle the fire and a high pressure fan to remove smoke from the property afterwards.

The house suffered smoke damage to the ground floor and the oven and kitchen units were damaged by fire.

The occupants of the house had escaped from the blaze by the time the firefighters arrived.

Crews will return to the address in the coming days to complete a Home Safety Check.

Councillor David Acton, Chairman of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, said: "Chip pans are incredibly dangerous – they catch fire easily and the smoke from this type of fire is potentially lethal – we would urge anyone still using one to stop doing so immediately.

"If you do discover a fire in your home, please don't tackle it yourself – get out, stay out and call 999 and wait for our crews to get there and deal with it."

For a free Home Safety Check, which could include the fitting of smoke alarms, call 0800 555 815, or visit www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/fire_safety_advice/home_fire_risk_assessments.aspx

For further advice on fire safety at home, please visit www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/fire_safety_advice/home_fire_safety.aspx