Unattended cooking causes flat evacuation

We’re reminding people not to leave their cooking unattended after smoke filled a flat block in Stoke-on-Trent.

A number of crews were sent to Hammond House on Ridgway Road following reports of a smoke coming from one of the floors at 2.15pm on Wednesday (11 December).

Firefighters pinpointed the source of the smoke quickly and found cooking that had been left unattended in one of the kitchen areas.

The flat had already been partially evacuated around the affected area while crews made sure it was safe for everyone else inside.

The fire was out before we got there and no-one was injured.

Crew Manager Smith, who went to the scene, said: “Crews worked quickly to isolate the cause of the smoke and make sure those in the flat were safe from harm.

“While it can be easy for accidents like this to happen, it goes to show how quickly distractions can escalate and put the lives of so many people in danger.”

In the last five years, 61 per cent of fires in Staffordshire homes started in the kitchen with distraction being one of the main causes.

It’s vitally important that you stay by your cooking at all times. If you leave the room, take your pan off the heat and make sure you clean your hob and oven regularly to avoid the build-up of fat and grease.

For essential tips on how to limit the chances of accidental fires happening in your kitchen, visit our website: Kitchen safety