NORTH Wales Fire and Rescue Service is once again highlighting the dangers of chip pans after an elderly couple had a lucky escape from a fire at their home in Saltney this afternoon (Friday). Firefighters from Buckley and Deeside were called to the detached property at Vyrnwy Road, Saltney, at 12.48pm. A quick-thinking GP spotted the fire and put in the call for help. She happened to be at the property visiting her patient, an 89-year-old woman. Gavin Lowry, from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The couple, both in their 80s, had inadvertently left a chip pan on the hob. The GP, who was attending to her patient upstairs at the time, smelt smoke and investigated downstairs to find the chip pan on fire. “Although we always strongly advise people to get out, stay out and call 999 when affected by fire, her actions prevented the fire from developing and ensured the couple escaped serious harm.” The 32-year-old GP isolated the power supply, smothered the chip pan, opened the kitchen windows, closed the inside door preventing the spread of smoke to the rest of the house, and dialled 999. The couple were checked over by paramedics at the scene and the GP was transferred to hospital as a precaution for treatment for smoke inhalation. The fire caused smoke and heat damage to the kitchen of the property. “This incident highlights just how quickly chip pans can cause a fire in the home,” said Gavin. “Left unattended, in just a few minutes, the oil can overheat and cause the pan to ignite. “Fire catches hold quickly, and can cause serious injuries and devastation to a property. Our advice is to throw away your old-style chip pan – thermostatically controlled deep fat fryers are a far safer option. “These people were lucky in that their GP was visiting at the time – but the best way to give yourself the chance to escape unharmed from a fire is to ensure you have a working smoke alarm. New smoke alarms were fitted to this property today.” To register for a free home fire safety check call freephone 0800 169 1234 or visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk. | 
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