Warning after oven sets on fire at Wigan house

Crews were called to King George Close in Ashton at 3pm on Saturday after an oven put in self-cleaning mode caught on fire.

The kitchen became smoke-logged and the family was able to escape and call the fire service, though they did not have smoke alarms.

Firefighters put out the blaze, cleared the smoke and removed the faulty oven, which was around five years old.

Carl Gleaves, watch manager at Wigan fire station, said:" On this occasion it was lucky. If you change the scenario over slightly to putting that self-cleaning mode on and going out, she wouldn't have a kitchen now. Likewise there wouldn't have been an early warning system for neighbours to hear.

"It was a near-miss that was thankfully restricted."

He added: "I want to put the message out there that if you are using older appliances, do act with caution. Unfortunately accidents can happen and always be wary of using appliances."