AN elderly woman and a dog have been saved from a fire in Pitsea.

The fire service was called to Little Searles, in Pitsea, at 1.30pm after a chip pan caught alight due to it being left on a hob.

Two crews from Basildon and one from Rayleigh Weir attended and the fire was put out by 2.12pm.

A ventilation fan was also used to clear the heavily smoke logged bungalow.

Station Officer Mark Eaglestone, of Basildon Fire Station's Green Watch, said: “We believe the casualty was distracted while cooking and the pan caught alight.

“The building was heavily smoked logged when we entered.

"We then led both the lady and her Jack Russell to safety.

“Always pay attention when you’re cooking. Don’t let yourself get distracted while cooking.”

Statistics for last year reveal that three quarters of the house fires in Essex started in the kitchen with distraction while cooking being a major cause of house fires throughout the County.

Each year the Service is called to around 500 kitchen fires, nearly 10 a week.

To make sure you stay as safe as possible in the kitchen:

  • Avoid leaving cooking unattended and never leave children in the kitchen alone.
  • Take care if you’re wearing loose clothing – they can easily catch fire.
  • Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.
  • Check toasters are clean and placed away from curtains and kitchen rolls.
  • Keep the oven, hob and grill clean and in good working order. A build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire.
  • Take care when cooking with hot oil – it sets alight easily. If the oil starts to smoke – it’s too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool. Ideally cook oven chips but if you are deep fat frying then use a thermostat controlled electric deep fat fryer - they can’t overheat.
  • Never try to cook after a night out drinking. It is far better to grab a kebab on the way home than to attempt to cook while intoxicated.

The best way to stay safe in the home is to fit and regularly test smoke alarms.

Free home safety visits can be arranged by calling 0300 303 0088 or email webmaster@essex-fire.gov.uk