FIREFIGHTERS have issued a warning after a blaze broke out when a chip pan was left unattended.

The fire in a flat in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, on Wednesday, November 12, broke out when the male occupant fell asleep.

No-one was hurt but the property was badly smoke damaged.

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 a free home fire safety check by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service visit ddfire.gov.uk or call 0845-2234221.