An emergency service warning has been issued after three fish and chip shop fires over a four-day period.
Firefighters and police were called out to all three Teesside fires - which saw the fires start in the kitchens of the premises.
While each of the fires had a different cause, a warning has now been issued by Cleveland Fire Brigade about how business owners can protect their premises if a fire does happen.
The first fire was on Acklam Road in Middlesbrough on March 27 at about 10.30am, which saw four firefighters attend and 80 per cent smoke damage caused by the fire to the first floor of the premises.
Meanwhile, the second one was on Catcote Road in Hartlepool on March 29 at 6pm, with two fire engines spotted at the scene. On this occasion, only the countertops and cooker were damaged by smoke.
🐟🍟It’s Friday! Which means Fish & Chip shops across our area will be bustling with people who fancy a fish supper for their tea tonight.
— ClevelandFB (@ClevelandFB) April 5, 2024
👩🚒With this in mind, crews responded to fires at three Fish & Chip shops within just four days last week. pic.twitter.com/Et4pUCKvP2
Details about the third fire haven't been provided by Cleveland Fire Brigade - but the emergency service has now issued advice for all business owners - while also issuing an image of fire damage to one of the fish and chip shops to show the devastating impact of a fire of this nature.
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A spokesperson for Cleveland Fire Brigade said on Friday (April 5): "It’s Friday, which means fish and chip shops across our area will be bustling with people who fancy a fish supper for their tea tonight. With this in mind, crews responded to fires at three Fish & Chip shops within just four days last week."
The statement goes on to say: "Whilst the cause of these fires differs, it highlights the importance of ensuring sufficient fire safety measures have been identified and implemented at your premises to reduce to likelihood and severity of a fire occurring.
"A suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment must be conducted and recorded, in full, for all commercial premises, appointing a professional to do this is highly recommended."
For advice on how to make your business safer - go here.
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