Man taken to hospital after cooking fire

A man was taken to hospital after a fire at his house caused by a pan of food being left unattended on a cooker.

Two fire engines from Rochdale Fire Station were called to a flat on Industry Road in the Falinge area of Rochdale at 8.09pm on Thursday, January 10.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus went into the first-floor flat and used a hose reel to put the fire out.

A 36-year-old man had escaped the blaze before crews arrived, but a firefighter gave him oxygen before he was taken to hospital.

Crews will return in the coming days to carry out a Home Safety Check at the flat.

Chairman of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor David Acton said: "Leaving any cooking unattended is dangerous because leaving it even it's just to answer the phone or door or if you're distracted for a few seconds is when a fire can start.

"Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Servive advise people to stand by their pans and when cooking fried food, dry it before you put it in the hot oil.

"If the oil starts to smoke, turn off the heat and leave the pan to cool. Never fill the pan more than one-third full of oil. Never throw water over the pan and remember working smoke alarms are your first line of defence."