Essex University student flats evacuated after fire

Fire crews were called to the Essex University accommodation in Boundary Road, Colchester, in the early hours of Monday morning after the pan caught light in a second floor kitchen.

All students left immediately as is standard procedure when the fire alarm goes off.

The fire was put out by 4.40am.

The kitchen the fire started in has suffered fire damage and adjoining flats have suffered smoke damage.

There were no reported injuries.

Colchester fire station watch manager Richard Lark said: "This incident shows how quickly a chip pan fire can spread and how much damage it can cause.

"Thankfully the students did the right thing once the pan caught fire - they did not attempt to extinguish it, but instead immediately left the building.

"I urge anyone who is cooking food in oil to follow our safety instructions."

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service warn people to make sure food is dry when it is put into oil, cool down fryers if they start to smoke, use a thermostat to check temperatures and never throw water on a pan with oil in it.