FIREFIGHTERS were called out to tackle a second chip pan fire in less than 24 hours.

Crews from Grays dealt with the incident in Parr Close, Chafford Hundred, around 1.20pm yesterday. 

Nobody was injured in the blaze and Essex Fire Service says the fire was already out by the time crews arrived. 

Watch Manager Mark Hampton, said: "When we arrived at the property, the occupants were safely outside and had done the right thing in turning the hob off, getting outside and calling 999.

"They told us that they had put the pan on but forgotten about it until it started smoking and then saw a flame.

"They knew that they shouldn't put water on the fire and the important thing was to get out of the house safely.

"The fire was already out, but it could have been much worse if they had put any water on the oil as it causes a huge fire ball."

The incident came just hours after fire crews had to deal with a chip pan fire in nearby Purfleet.

Mr Hampton added: "This is the second chip pan fire within 24 hours within the Grays area, so we want to urge everyone who cooks with oil to take a look at our safety advice to avoid this happening again".

Essex Fire Service has issued the following advice for people cooking with oil:

  • 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 or a damp tea towel over it