A MAN was treated for smoke inhalation after a chip pan caught fire at his Wirral flat in the early hours of this morning.

Firefighters were called to Greenbank Road in Tranmere just after midnight.

The man was given oxygen by firefighters and checked by paramedics at the scene but did not attend hospital.

The chip pan and its contents was severely damaged by fire. There was also smoke damage to half the kitchen.

Crews from Birkenhead, Wallasey and Upton fire station attended the call-out.

Watch Manager Kev Hollis, who attended the call-out with Blue Watch firefighters at Birkenhead Community Fire Station, said: "It was thought that the occupier had put a chip pan on to cook some chips and had fallen asleep.

"A fire started and by chance the occupier awoke and saw the flat was filled with smoke.

"The battery had been removed from the single smoke alarm in the flat and it was lucky the occupier awoke as this incident could have been much worse.

"We advise people have working smoke alarms on each level of their home and they test them each week.

"In line with our general fire safety advice, we advise people not to cook food if they are tired or have consumed alcohol."

Firefighters carried out a Home Fire Safety Check while at the property and fitted a smoke alarm. Firefighters had left the scene by 12.55am.

Firefighters will be highlighting fire safety messages to people in Greenbank Road today.