Lancashire fire chiefs have warned never to fight a chip pan fire with water after an incident at the weekend.



Two men in Blackpool had a narrow escape from a ‘fireball explosion’ caused by a chip pan fire.

Crews were called to a flat at Argosy Court after the occupants fell asleep - they both escaped with minor burns and smoke inhalation.

Lancashire Fire & Rescue's Acting Watch Manager John Riley said: "On our arrival we found that the fire was in the kitchen but that luckily two male occupants had escaped and were outside the flat. One of the occupiers had put on a chip pan and they had both fallen asleep. A smoke alarm woke one of the occupants who entered the kitchen, moved the pan to the sink and turned on the tap, creating a fireball setting fire to the kitchen.

''He then woke the other occupant and they were able to escape. Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus used a hose real to put out the fire and a ventilation unit was used to remove the smoke. The occupants were treated by the North West Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation and minor burns.''

''Our advice to the public is to never use water to put out fires in chap pans or other pans containing hot oil. On this occassion the occupant who used the water on the fire was very lucky that he wasn't badly injured - or worse. If you discover a fire - get out of the property and call 999. Consider replacing a chip pan with a safer thermostatic deep fat fryer and dont try to cook if you are feeling tired. Luckly the occupants also had a working smoke alarm which alerted them to the fire.

''Make sure you have a working smoke alarm - it could save your life. You can contact Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service for a Home Fire Safety Check on our website or 0800 169 1125."