Blaze highlights cooking-related fire risk

THE dangers of leaving cooking unattended have been highlighted by firefighters after a house blaze in Townhill, Swansea.

Crews from Swansea Central and Swansea West attended an incident at 12.48am yesterday.

Neighbours had reported smoke alarms sounding and a smell of smoke coming from the property in Townhill.

On arrival, neighbours informed crews that they believed that the occupier was still inside.

The house was full of smoke and fire crews forced entry through the front door and a team equipped with breathing apparatus searched the property.

The crew found a male asleep in a bedroom. They led him to safety.

On investigation, the cause of the fire was attributed to cooking that had been left unattended, resulting in the property filling with smoke.

Thankfully, there were working smoke alarms at the property and vigilant neighbours, otherwise the situation could have had more serious consequences.

Will Bowen, home safety manager for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It is pleasing to see that noone was seriously hurt at this incident and it goes to prove the value of having working smoke alarms at your property. Cooking is by far the biggest cause of fires within people’s homes and it is vitally important that you don’t get distracted when you are in the kitchen.”

Due to an increase of kitchen fires during the Covid-19 lockdown period, the three Welsh Fire and Rescue Services have launched a campaign specifically highlighting the fire risks associated with cooking. ■ For more information and safety advice go to www.mawwfire.gov.uk or follow the fire service on social media channels @ mawwfire