FIREFIGHTERS have praised a Purfleet couple for their actions after a chip pan caught fire in their home.

Two crews from Grays were called to reports of a fire in a first floor flat in Coniston Avenue, yesterday (Wednesday, 30 December) at 10.55am.

They found the kitchen full of smoke and a chip pan alight. They fully extinguished the fire by 11.25am and used a fan to clear the smoke.

Crew Manager Mark Twin said: "Unfortunately, the occupants got distracted after putting the chip pan on and it caught fire.

"Thankfully they had working smoke alarms which alerted them to the fire and they did the right thing - they got out, stayed out and called 999.

"They also managed to shut the kitchen door which reduced how much smoke damage there was throughout the property.

"Crews did a really good job in extinguishing the fire quickly and preventing any further damage to the flat."

Essex Fire and Rescue Service has issued the following advice following the incident.

When deep fat frying:

• Take care when cooking with hot oil – it sets alight easily.

• Make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil so it doesn't splash.

• If the oil starts to smoke – it's too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool.

• Use a thermostat controlled electric deep fat fryer. They can't overheat.

• If your pan catches fire, turn off the heat if it is safe to do so. Never throw water over it.