A CHIP pan fire broke out in a flat last night, Sunday, when the occupant fell asleep after switching it on.

Three fire engines were sent to a ground floor flat St Gregory's Close in Farnworth at around 8.15pm after the flames had spread in the kitchen.

The smoke alarm had woken up the occupant, who managed to pick it up and take it out the property but he suffered burns to his hands as a result.

Crews arrived and wore breathing apparatus and hose reels to put out the flames.

"Extensive damage" was caused to the kitchen and smoke damage affected other areas of the flat.

Watch manager Kevin Wright said that the incident shows the importance of having a working smoke alarm but warned it is best not to attempt to put out chip pans.

He added: "We do not advise people to tackle chip pan fires in any way.

"The best way to deal with it is to get out and dial 999."

When carrying chip pans outside, it could lead to items being spilt on the floor and spreading fire to other areas of the property as well as causing injuries.

The occupant was taken to hospital by a neighbour.

Firefighters were there for around an hour.