Updated: FIRE chiefs have warned people not to leave their cooking unattended, after a spate of kitchen fires, including one fatal blaze in York.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have attended 13 home kitchen fires since December 10 – more than one a day.

Ordinarily, firefighters deal with two kitchen fires a week on average. A brigade spokesman said the current spate was “worrying to say the least”, while group manager Trevor Lund, pictured, warned people not to become “a victim of festive forgetfulness”.

The latest incidents were at the weekend, in Tadcaster and Selby. Yesterday, four people were treated for smoke inhalation after a kitchen fire broke out in a house in Kitchen Drive, Selby, at 4.10pm. At 11.30am on Saturday, crews tackled a similar blaze in D’arcy Road, also in Selby, where a pan was left unattended, and in Kelcbar Way in Tadcaster, there was a fire just before 9pm on Saturday, after a grill was left on.

Mr Lund said: “At this time of year there is often an increase in fires starting in kitchens as people forget for a moment, about basic fire safety whilst they celebrate, entertain guests and generally make merry. “There are many things to distract us during the festive season and quite often fires can be a consequence of only a moment’s inattention.

“After consuming more alcohol than usual, a late snack may seem like a good idea but if food is left cooking unattended, whatever the circumstances, on the hob, in an oven or chip pan; a fire can develop out of control very quickly – ending your celebration abruptly – maybe permanently.”

He also urged North Yorkshire residents to check on elderly neighbours or those living alone over Christmas.

He said: “Perhaps if you feel there is a cause for concern pass on that concern to the appropriate local authorities.

“We all have friends or neighbours, who might be vulnerable to an accident in the home; especially at this time of year.”

The service will carry out free home risk fire checks, give advice and fit free smoke alarms.

Phone 01609 788545 or contact local fire stations for details.

A sleeping, 42-year-old man was rescued from a flat in Tang Hall last Wednesday night, after an unattended pan caught fire, while investigations are still continuing into the death of 83-year-old Derek Inns of Strensall, who died during a chip pan fire at his home last week.