Fireball Fury After Oil Left Unattended in Kitchen
A pan of oil left unattended in a property’s kitchen went up in flames, sparking chaos. When an occupant spotted the blaze, they poured water on the fire – triggering a massive fireball. Fire crews arrived to find the property filled with smoke, but thankfully, no one was hurt.
Fire Boss Issues Stark Warning
Andy Edwards, Watch Manager at Chelmsford Fire Station, revealed the twist of irony: “This incident could easily have been much more serious and ironically came shortly after we’d welcomed Danbury Scout Group to our station and demonstrated exactly what happens when you pour water on an oil fire.”
“Please, never pour water on a pan fire. If the pan does ignite, turn the heat down if it’s safe to do so. If it isn’t safe, don’t take any risks – get out, stay out and call the fire service.”
Top Tips to Stay Safe When Cooking with Oil
- Be extra careful with hot oil – it catches fire easily.
- Dry food thoroughly before frying to prevent dangerous splashes.
- If the oil starts to smoke, it’s too hot. Turn off the heat and let it cool.
- Use a thermostat-controlled electric deep fat fryer to avoid overheating.
- If a pan catches fire, turn off the heat if safe – never throw water on it.
