You may all be aware by now that I was recently involved in a fire at my home. My fifteen minutes of fame, perhaps, although it is certainly not the way I would have chosen to achieve it!
The whole thing started with a stupid mistake. I had left a chip pan on a hot plate, and before I knew what was happening, it burst into flames. The fire quickly spread, setting the kitchen alight and sending asbestos and other dangerous material everywhere. The kitchen now has to be completely demolished, rebuilt and made safe before I can return home.
I was taken by ambulance to the Burns Ward at Odstock Hospital in Salisbury. I don’t remember much about the journey, but I would like to say a huge thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff who looked after me there. They were fantastic, and I am enormously grateful for everything they did.
The frightening truth is that I could have died. Thankfully, I am still here to tell the tale. The burns on my arms are healing nicely, and for the time being I am staying in a room at a Premier Inn in Weymouth while the work on my home is carried out.
I certainly would not have got through this without my lovely wife, whose support has been incredible. I am also very grateful to all my good friends for their concern, kind messages, cards and good wishes. Knowing that so many people were thinking of me has meant a great deal.
If there is one thing I have learned from all this, it is that life can change in a moment, so don’t be an arse, always make sure you are properly insured, and, above all, don’t cook chips in a chip pan!
I reckon an air fryer is definitely the way to go.
Thank you all. I’m still here, I’m healing, and I’m very lucky indeed. x
Mitch Norman
If a chip pan/deep-fat pan catches fire, act quickly but do not take risks:
- Do NOT use water. Even a small amount can turn the hot oil into a fireball.
- Do NOT move the pan. It will be extremely hot and moving it can spread burning oil.
- Turn off the heat only if you can do so safely. Don’t reach over the flames.
- Get everyone out of the house, close the kitchen door if you can, and call 999. Stay outside.
- Don’t use a damp tea towel. Current fire-service advice specifically warns against this because water contacting hot oil can cause a fireball.
If this is happening right now: get out, stay out, and call 999. Don’t go back in for anything.
