Fire chief issues kitchen reminder

DON'T get distracted while cooking is the message from fire officers after a blaze tore through a bungalow in Uppermill.

It is believed the fire in Primrose Avenue on Tuesday, reported in yesterday's Chronicle, started in the kitchen of a dormer bungalow and was burning for some time before the fire service was called at 8.14pm.

Station manager Mark Wilson said: "We believe the fire started when the resident put food in the oven and became distracted, possibly then falling asleep.

"It was some time until the fire was discovered. The flames had gone through the ceiling of the kitchen, into the bedroom, through the walls and burned through quite of a lot of belongings stored there.

Alarm

"Sadly the property is very seriously damaged but luckily no lives were lost on this occasion. This is a reminder to residents to stay focused while cooking and not be tempted to start cooking if you are feeling sleepy. Most importantly, make sure you have a working smoke alarm on each floor of your property.

"On this occasion, smoke had started to spread into a neighbouring property and at the same time the resident became aware of the fire and safely got out of her home."

The elderly resident was treated at the scene by firefighters for smoke inhalation and was then taken to hospital.