The extent of the damage caused by a fire which ripped through a commercial kitchen in Cowes yesterday (Saturday) has been revealed.
Firefighters from Cowes, Newport, East Cowes and Ryde were all involved in tackling the blaze at a cafe on Watch House Lane, as previously reported by Island Echo.
The fire began in a deep fat fryer just before 09:40 and quickly spread to the first floor and roof void. Crews used multiple breathing apparatus, hose reels and main jets to bring the situation under control, sectorising the fire and allowing smoke to vent through the roof.
Incident Commander SM Chris Thearle yesterday praised the efforts of his firefighters for their quick actions and hard work which undoubtedly prevented the fire from spreading to adjoining properties.
Do you own a chip pan at home?
- never leave a chip pan unattended
- use a thermostat-controlled deep fat fryer – this will make sure the fat doesn’t get too hot
- if you use an open chip pan, only fill it one third full of oil or fat
- always dry the chips before placing them in oil
- test the temperature of the oil with a small piece of bread or potato. If it crisps quickly, the oil is hot enough
- if the oil starts to smoke, don’t put the food in. Turn off the heat and leave the pan to cool
What if my chip pan catches fire?
- turn the power off to the chip pan, but only if it’s safe to do so
- leave the room and close the door behind you
- get out, stay out, call 999
- disturbing the pan of oil even after the fire is out, can cause it to reignite – allow the Fire Service to remove the pan
- never use water to distinguish as this will cause a fireball
Thanks to Jack C for sharing the aerial video of the incident.
Thank god nobody was hurt. Material things can be replaced, a life can’t.
Once again Sterling work from The Isle of Wight Fire Brigade! Real superheroes don’t wear their pants over their trews, they wear ‘fearnought’ suits and yellow helmets! Bravo, chaps.