Kitchen fire – city centre - Peterborough

12/04/2022 11.48AM

At 11.48am on Tuesday (12) crews from Dogsthorpe and Stanground were called to a fire on Norfolk Street in Peterborough city centre.  

Station Commander Gareth Boyd said: “On arrival the crews were faced with thick black smoke issuing from the rear door of the kitchen, with two residents still inside the property. While leading the residents to safety, they closed internal doors to prevent further smoke spread and damage.  

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the kitchen to find a developed fire. This was extinguished quickly and it took some time for the smoke to clear. 

“Further investigation revealed that a pan with hot oil was left unattended for some time, which then ignited and spread to the extractor unit and panelling.” 

The crews returned to their stations by 1.20pm. 

Station Commander Boyd added: “When the crews arrived there was no sign of a smoke alarm sounding. On further inspection we found there was no alarm fitted on the ground floor, and the alarm on the first floor didn’t activate. 

“We would urge residents to make sure they have working smoke alarms fitted on every floor of the property and test them regularly. They are vital in making sure people are alerted to a fire early to ensure they can safely evacuate the house.  

“Also, please remember it is very easy to get distracted when cooking and accidentally cause a fire, so follow these cooking safety tips: 

• Take extra care when cooking with oil, as it easily sets alight 
• If deep fat frying, make sure only one third of a pan is filled with oil prior to frying food 
• If a pan or wok is smoking excessively, turn off the heat 
• Never throw water on a burning pan, cover with a damp tea-towel and turn off the heat 
• Be very careful with loose clothing and ensure it does not come into contact with a naked flame 
• Never leave cooking unattended.