Distraction causes cooking fire

Firefighters are reminding people to keep a close eye on cooking after an early morning fire broke out in a flat in Middleton.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) received a call shortly after 2am on Friday, October 25, from the occupier of a ground floor flat on Baguley Crescent.

The 29-year-old man had started cooking his supper in a pan on the hob and then became engrossed in his computer.

Firefighters from Blackley went to the man’s flat and a GMFRS Trauma Technician gave him oxygen because he was suffering from the slight effects of smoke.

Watch Manager Steve Gudmunsen said: “The young man had put on a pan of food and became distracted by his PC.

“When his smoke alarm went off he went outside and rang 999.

“One of our Trauma Technicians gave him oxygen therapy but fortunately he didn’t require further treatment.”

Crew wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel to put the pan fire out.

Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor David Acton, said: “It is lucky for the man that his smoke alarm went off and brought the fire to his attention.
“Remember, working smoke alarms are your first line of defence and they really do save lives.

“It’s also important not to turn your back on cooking. The slightest distraction, like your phone or your computer in this case, even if it’s just for just a moment, can give fire the chance to break out.”