FIRE officers are warning people of the dangers of chip pans following two fires in Worcester in a week.

Firefighters from Worcester's White Watch were called to a second floor flat in Drake Avenue, Dines Green, yesterday afternoon.

One person was slightly burned in the blaze, which broke out at around 12.40pm.

The firecrew used breathing apparatus, a hose reel jet and carbon dioxide to put out the fire.

"The chip pan had been left unattended and burst into flames," said Sub-officer Steve Mabelson.

"Someone had tried to remove it from the heat and put it out on the floor, burning his back and legs as he did so."

The kitchen was completely destroyed and the rest of the flat suffered smoke damage.

Two police officers and an ambulance also attended the scene but were not needed to take the man to hospital.

Now Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade is urging people who have old-fashioned chip pans to consider buying a modern pan.

"If you do get a chip pan fire what you should do is get a damp tea-towel, smother the flames, and get out of the house," said Sub-officer Mabelson.

"We'd also like to make people aware of the importance of smoke detectors.

"There was a smoke detector in this incident but it didn't operate because the battery had been removed.

"People should check their smoke detectors. Don't remove the batteries because they could save your life."

On Monday a deep fat fryer sparked a blaze at the Star Hotel in Worcester's Foregate Street.