FIREFIGHTERS have issued a warning to people about fat fires after a man carried a burning chip pan and suffered severe burns.

Peter Gill, aged 29, carried the burning oil, despite ringing 999 to ask advice on how to put the blaze out around 9pm last night.

Before the operator could tell him what to do, he already had the chip pan in his garden at Packer Street, Halliwell - and suffered serious burns to his hands, arms and face.

Station officer Dave Thompson, from Bolton Central Fire Station told the BEN: "When the fire flared up after the lid was taken off the pan, no one knew what to do so they contacted us for advice, but because there were persons reported in the house we were sent out.

"Before the operator could tell Mr Gill the proper action he carried it out."

By the time firefighters arrived, the blaze had burned itself out in the back garden, but officers had to give first aid until paramedics arrived and Mr Gill was taken to Royal Bolton Hospital.

Mr Thompson added: "The only damage to the house was light smoke damage and Mr Gill has come off far worse. No one should ever pick up a burning chip pan."

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