ESSEX Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were called to a kitchen fire in Aynsley Gardens, Harlow, believed to be caused by a toaster.

Crews used one hose reel jet to extinguish the fire by 17:37hrs.

A ventilation fan was used to clear the property of smoke.

Divisional Officer Neil Fenwick said: “We attend hundreds of fires a year which originate in the kitchen. Cooking is one of the major causes of fires in the home and even the smallest kitchen fire can cause devastation to your home and leave loved ones injured or even killed.

“Make sure that you fit, and regularly test, a smoke alarm. It is the single most important piece of safety equipment in any home.”

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.