Firefighters make takeaway plea to cut house fire risk

People have been urged to treat themselves to a takeaway rather than cook during a firefighters' strike. Essex County Fire and Rescue have issued the unusual plea ahead of industrial action planned for Saturday night.

The service say 56% of fires in the county start in kitchens and it hopes less cooking will mean fewer fires. Divisional Officer Neil Fenwick said: “Cooking is a huge cause of fires - around a third of all house fires start in the kitchen, so by ordering in a takeaway people can make a real difference and help us reduce the risk of fire.”



“This advice is even more important to people who are going out for a drink. More than 10% of kitchen fires start after 11pm as people arrive home from a night out.”

DO Fenwick added: “Cooking after drinking is a recipe for disaster so our best advice is on your way home grab a kebab, murder a burger or hurry for a curry rather than try and cook when you get in.” The strike is planned to take place between 6:30pm and 11pm.