A GRAVESEND woman has been treated for smoke inhalation after attempting to tackle a chip pan fire.

Firefighters were called to the house in Christianfields Avenue at 6.30pm yesterday where they found the woman – believed to be in her 30s – tackling the fire by placing wet towels over the fryer.

Watch manager Lawrence Pater said: “It was actually an electric fryer which she had put on the gas hob, not realising it was alight.

“She went out and returned to hear her smoke alarm sounding and that the oil had caught light.

“At this point we would urge people not to tackle the fire themselves but to get out, stay out and call the fire service.

“While tackling the blaze she suffered smoke inhalation and after an initial oxygen therapy by firefighters, paramedics took her to hospital.”

Firefighters say there was only five per cent damage to the kitchen and have issued the following safety advice when cooking:-

  • Don’t leave pans unattended. Take them off the heat if you leave the room. Remember, fire starts when your attention stops.
  • Turn saucepan handles so that they don’t stick out from the hob.
  • Never fill a pan more than one third full of fat or oil. If the oil starts to smoke, do not begin cooking - remove from the heat and leave it to cool.
  • Keep the oven, hob and grill clean - a build up of fat and grease can easily catch fire.
  • If you are going out for a night out and may be drinking, try and pre-plan for your return home and take a snack from the fridge or cupboard instead of turning on the cooker for a hot meal.
  • Fit smoke alarms on every floor of your home, and test the batteries regularly.
  • If there is a fire, get out, stay out and call the Fire and Rescue service.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service offers fire safety advice and free home safety visits, during which, if necessary, smoke alarms will be fitted free of charge.

To take advantage call 0800 923 7000.