THREE people were hurt after trying to tackle a fire which started in a kitchen.

Fire crews were called to a home in Plumleys, Pitsea, on Friday at 6.30pm after food cooking under a grill in the kitchen had been left unattended.

The grill caught fire while the people were outside.

They went back into the house but suffered burns and inhaled smoke while trying to put the fire out.

When firefighters arrived they gave them first aid before paramedics took over.

The fire was extinguished within an hour.

Part of the house was smoke logged but the fire was contained to the oven.

Watch manager Howard Midwood said: "Our advice to people who have a fire in their home is get out, stay out and call 999.

"Wait for us to arrive with the proper equipment to tackle a fire.

"This incident also shows the importance of not leaving cooking unattended.

"More than half of accidental fires at home start by cooking so don't get distracted while your cooker or hob is on."

Advice from the fire service includes:

  • Take care if you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking, take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk.
  • Make sure your oven and grill are cleaned regularly.
  • Don't leave children in the kitchen alone when cooking on the hob. Keep matches and saucepan handles out of their reach to keep them safe.
  • Make sure saucepan handles don’t stick out – so they don’t get knocked off the stove.
  • Take care if you’re wearing loose clothing – this can easily catch fire.
  • Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.
  • Double check the cooker is off when you’ve finished cooking.