FIRE chiefs are warning people to take extra care after a spate of kitchen fires.

Firefighters from Bolton fire stations in Moor Lane and Crompton Way were first called to a flat in Bradford Street, The Haulgh, at 9.30pm on Saturday.

The fire, in a cooker, was out before they arrived. A man had suffered burns to his hands and forehead while trying to put it out. He was taken to Royal Bolton Hospital for treatment.

Then at 6.55pm on Sunday, crews from the same stations were called to a house in Atherfield, Harwood, to deal with another kitchen fire.

A pan of food had been left unattended on a cooker, sparking a fire that was put out by the firefighters.

A woman who lives at the house, described by the fire service as “elderly”, was taken to Royal Bolton Hospital suffering from burns to her arms. There was a third similar incident in the Manchester area over the weekend.

Ian Read, watch manager at Bolton fire station in Moor Lane, said: “The use of chip pans is still a big issue for the fire service.

“In an old-fashioned chip pan, oil continues to heat up if left unattended, unlike oil in a modern deep-fat fryer, where the temperature can be controlled.

“The man in Bradford Street was very lucky — he could have suffered more serious burns.

“Please use an alternative to a chip pan and make sure your cooking is never left unattended.”

For a free home safety check, call the Fire Service on 0800 555 815.