Quick-thinking babysitter saves baby from kitchen fire

Wednesday 15 February 2017

A quick-thinking woman who was looking after a one-year-old managed to smother the flames of an emerging pan fire – putting it out before the Fire Brigade arrived.

Fire and Rescue Services were alerted to a kitchen fire in La Pouquelaye, St Helier, shortly after midday where a female occupant had been looking after a young child.

Before leaving the building, the 39-year-old attempted to smother the flames from a pan of oil before evacuating the building.

Two fire engines arrived at the scene, but found the kitchen fire to be out upon arrival, with damage confined to the electric hob, extractor fan unit and surrounding wall units.

Pictured: Two fire engines vehicles were called to the scene. (Photo: Jersey Fire and Rescue)

Items damaged in the fire were subsequently removed from the scene, which was inspected using a Thermal Image Camera.

Following the incident, the pair were taken to hospital for a precautionary examination after suffering slight smoke inhalation.

Watch Commander Richard Ryan warned islanders to, “…never leave cooking unattended – not even for a minute.”

“Although this fire was dealt with successfully by the owner, cooking oil fire can be difficult and dangerous to extinguish,” he added.

“Remember, ‘Get out, stay out and call the Fire Service out.”