Cooked clothing causes kitchen fire

Monday 04 July 2022

Clothing left on a hob was the cause of a large kitchen fire in a St. Clement flat this weekend, according to firefighters.

Jersey Fire and Rescue Service (JFRS) was called to the first-floor property around 18:30 on Saturday.

"On arrival, crews were met by smoke issuing from the first floor window," they explained.

"Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the building and quickly extinguished the fire with a hosereel.

"The fire was caused by the accidental turning on of the kitchen hob, which had clothes on top. The owner was alerted to the by a working smoke alarm and evacuated the property."

JFRS has since issued a warning to islanders not to leave items on the hob – even if switched off, as "controls can be inadvertently switched on."

"We also recommend, if possible, isolating the power to your hob when not in use," they added.

"This highlights the importance of having a working smoke alarm, and the occupants are to be commended for swiftly evacuating the property and calling 999."