A Bradford family had a narrow escape when a chip pan caused a fire in the garage of their home early today.

The incident has led to firefighters issuing a warning to people with electrical items in outhouses to ensure they are unplugged and safe.

A Vauxhall Astra parked in the garage of the house in Trinity Walk, Odsal, was severely damaged in the blaze at 1.45am.

Watch Commander Andy Rose, of Odsal fire station, said that the heat from the chip pan was intense.

“I think that the family had not been using it and did not realise it had been switched on, but the situation could have been far worse in another hour or so, or if no-one had seen it,” he said.