FIRE chiefs are warning people not to leave cooking unattended following three kitchen fires in the space of 24 hours.
They are also asking residents to keep a close eye on elderly neighbours following the incidents in Deeside, Mold and Llanarmon-yn-Ial.
A elderly lady had a lucky escape after a blaze broke out in her home.
Margaret Todd, 95, was rescued by firefighters after a kitchen fire at her home in Graianrhyd, Llanarmon -yn-Ial, early yesterday.
The blaze broke out at about 2am when a cooker was left on.
Her neighbour and good friend, who asked to remain anonymous, said Mrs Todd raised the alarm herself through the Care Connects system.
Her neighbour said: “I got a phone call from the hospital to say she’d had a fire. They took her to hospital and fortunately she wasn’t hurt and didn’t have smoke inhalation.
“A friend has been to see her in hospital and she’s okay – she’s a very lucky lady.
“From what I can gather the firemen battered the front door down and got her out. I just can’t praise them enough and I’m so pleased she’s okay.”
Shortly before 9am yesterday two crews from Deeside attended a blaze in Phoenix Street, Sandycroft.
The fire was started by a grill pan left in a hot oven but fortunately the resident was unhurt.
On Tuesday firefighters were called to Sunny Ridge, Mold, at 11.55am following reports of a microwave on fire.
Crews had to ventilate the property but the 90-year-old resident escaped unhurt.
The fire is believed to have started after food was left in the microwave for too long.
Paul Scott from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the incidents highlighted the dangers of leaving cooking unattended.
He said: "It is very important to check over cooking appliances to ensure everything has been switched off correctly after use.
“We also advise never to attempt cooking after drinking alcohol.
“It is all too easy to sit down and fall asleep once the food is on the heat, and sadly there is a distinct possibility that you would never wake up at all.”
Mr Scott said it was easy to become distracted at Christmas time and appealed for people to look out for vulnerable family and neighbours.
“The holiday period is particularly long this year and we urge all residents to take care of themselves and be particularly vigilant of friends and neighbours,” he said.
“These incidents also clearly highlight the importance of smoke alarms. If you do have smoke alarms, ensure that you test them regularly.”
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service offers free home fire safety checks across North Wales.
Further details are available by calling 0800 169 1234 or visiting www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk.