Hero Neighbour Saves Elderly Man From Fire

AN elderly man from Chinnor was dragged from a burning kitchen yesterday by a neighbour, who almost certainly saved the life.
Fire crews from Thame and Slade stations were called to a reported house fire in Musgrave Road, Chinnor at 6.30pm last night (Monday 07/01). A statement from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Information was received that there was an elderly person in the property. On arrival fire crews were informed that the occupant had been rescued already by a neighbour who directed the fire fighters to the kitchen. The fire was quickly put out by crews in breathing apparatus, who were able to ensure the fire did not spread to the rest of the property. The fire was caused by an open chip pan on a gas hob which had caught fire spreading to kitchen units and into the roof.
“An elderly gentleman who was rescued by a neighbour was treated on scene for burns to his hands and smoke inhalation and subsequently taken to hospital by ambulance.
“The neighbour was alerted by a fire alarm system that alerts neighbours and a central call station. The quick actions of this neighbour who entered the house and was able to drag his friend to safety, undoubtedly saved this persons life. He also managed to close the doors to the kitchen which also slowed down the fire spread throughout the house.

“This fire highlights the dangers of open chip pans and the damage that occurs when they catch fire. Chip pans burn at over 360 degrees centigrade and can spread rapidly to overhead kitchen units. The burns the occupant received were caused by attempting to move the chip pan to a sink. Chip pan fires are one of the more dangerous fires one can have in a kitchen, the best course of action is to turn off the gas, cover the pan with a fire blanket if it is safe to do so and then get out, closing doors behind you and call the Fire Service.
“Ultimately we do not recommend the use of open chip pans and would recommend the use of purpose designed deep fat fryers or even go for the healthier option of oven chips!”

Watch Manager, Andy Ford from Thame Fire Station said:”This goes to show the benefits of a working smoke alarm which could well have saved this mans life and is an essential part of every home”.

More Safety information can be obtained by contacting Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Community Safety department, or via Oxfordshire County Council web site.

Photo: The burned remains of a kitchen destroyed by fire in Chinnor last night.