AN expert is warning people that build-up of grease and dirt inside ovens is a major source of kitchen fires.
Derek Lancaster operates the Ovenu domestic oven valeting service throughout the Darlington area.
He was horrified by statistics showing that 67 per cent of a total of 469 domestic fires in County Durham and Darlington started in the kitchen.
About two-thirds of those were started via a cooking accident, such as fat, oil, or grill pans catching fire.
Mr Lancaster said: "These horrifying figures are a warning to all people that unclean ovens can cause serious injury, or even death.
"It amazes me why so many people leave their oven untouched when they clean their kitchen.
"The build-up of fat or oil inside the oven could have far greater consequences than a bit of dust on the kitchen floor."
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