Chip pan dangers highlighted by fire

Sunday 19 June 2016

A chip pan fire has led to a Jersey man being treated for burns.

The incident happened at 4.55pm on Saturday and highlights the dangers of chip pan fires.

A pan being used to cook chips caught fire whilst the man was distracted and led to a minor explosive reaction when water was applied to extinguish the fire.

Firefighters attended a property in St Clement after receiving a call following a loud bang. On arrival it was quickly established that the fire was out, but the occupier of the property had received minor burns during the incident and was taken to hospital by attending paramedic crews.

The investigating officer discovered that the cause of the fire was due to a small pan, being used to cook chips in, being left unattended as the occupier had been distracted by the telephone.

“When the occupier returned he found the pan on fire, then moved the pan to the sink and turned the cold tap on directly into the burning oil. This resulted in a violent explosive reaction causing flames to travel upwards along the kitchen window, wall and ceiling. The property was checked for any fire spread before crews left the scene.

Crew Commander Toby Aubert said: “Once again this highlights the dangers surrounding chip pans. We would advise that people stop using traditional chip pans and move to either a thermostatically controlled unit or oven chips. Leaving any cooking unattended should be avoided at all costs.”