THE fire brigade has issued a fresh warning over the dangers of leaving chip pans unattended after a man had a lucky escape this week.

Firefighters were called to a flat on Newgate Street in Bishop Auckland on Wednesday, November 12, following reports of a kitchen fire.

The occupant had left a chip pan unattended and fallen asleep while waiting for his food to cook.

Luckily he woke up in time to leave the flat but the property suffered heavy smoke damage.

Simon Davison, assistant district manager for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “In this case the man was extremely lucky that he woke up just in time to get out of the flat. If he had been asleep for just a few more minutes this could have been a fatal incident.

“60 per cent of fires in the home begin in the kitchen so it is important that we all follow safety advice.

“We would like to remind people to take care when cooking with hot oil and never leave chip pans unattended.

“We would also urge people to fit smoke alarms in their homes, ideally on each level of their property.

“Smoke alarms can provide the extra minutes and seconds that can be needed to get out in the event of a fire and can save lives.”

For more information or to book a free home fire safety check visit ddfire.gov.uk or call 0845 2234221.