A kitchen fire raged in a flat in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, Brussels, on Monday evening; the residents were unharmed, but a neighbour was taken to hospital for treatment.
As with the fire that occurred on Monday morning in Evere, an overheated pan of cooking oil was the cause of the blaze, the Brussels fire brigade reported.
The fire on Voorspoedstraat in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek broke out at around 7.40 p.m. By the time the fire brigade arrived, the occupants had managed to get to safety but a neighbour, who was in shock and already in poor health, was taken to hospital for treatment.
“The damage appeared to be limited to the kitchen,” said fire brigade spokesman Walter Derieuw.
“The cause of the fire was accidental: an overheated pan of oil," he disclosed, adding: "I am therefore happy to repeat this morning’s tips:
"It is absolutely not recommended to use water in the event of a hot oil fire;
"Moving around with the container should also be avoided;
"What is recommended is, without endangering oneself, shut off the energy source, and smother the flames by placing a lid or fire blanket on the pot. Then leave the kitchen, close the door behind you and call 112;
"It is also best to use an electrical appliance equipped with a thermostat to avoid overheating.”
