North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is once again warning of the dangers of chip pans and highlighting the life saving benefits of smoke alarms - after a kitchen fire in Coedpoeth, near Wrexham.

Firefighters from Wrexham were called to the property at Middle Road, Coedpoeth, on Friday 24^th May at 01.10hrs after a chip pan had been left unattended.

Three occupiers, two grandparents in their 60s and their 22 year old grandson, required treatment at the scene for smoke inhalation.

Mike Hough from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The occupiers were extremely lucky to escape from this incident with their lives. The grandson was asleep on the sofa down stairs and did not awaken when the smoke alarm sounded, but fortunately his grandparents were alerted by the alarm which enabled them all to escape from the property.

"If it wasn't for the smoke alarms going off, we could easily have been dealing with fatalities.

"My strong advice would be for people to take heed of what we say. Our message is clear  - get rid of chip pans, never turn your back on your cooking, even for a minute, never cook after a drink and make sure you have a smoke alarm. This incident could easily have been so much worse."

The incident was the second chip fire attended by firefighters yesterday (24 May). Another incident occurred at Y Waun in Harlech at 16.49hrs, attended by crews from Harlech and Bermo. An 18 year old at home alone had left a chip pan heating unattended. Parents of the teenager arrived home to find their kitchen filled with smoke - two sets of breathing apparatus and a hose reel jet were used to deal with the incident.

For a free smoke alarm - register for a home fire safety check with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. We will visit your home, give fire safety hints and tips, help you to formulate a fire escape plan and fit new smoke alarms - all free of charge. Telephone our 24 hour hotline on 0800 169 1234, e-mail cfs@nwales-fireservice.org.uk  log on to our website www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk or  text 88365, ensuring you prefix your message with the word HFSC.