Around 25 firefighters from five stations were called to Canal Street in Manchester after a smoke alarm went off in a block of flats, only to discover that someone had burnt their dinner.
Crews from five stations across Manchester were dispatched to the scene at around 4.45pm on Friday. On arrival, they found the alarm had been triggered by 'fumes from burnt food left cooking on a hob'.
An onlooker said: "I saw five fire engines. There were multiple firefighters with all their gear going up the stairs into the flats. I couldn't see any smoke, but thought whatever it is must be quite big to warrant a multiple fire truck response."
False alarm call-outs on the rise
Burnt food is one of the biggest causes of false alarms faced by firefighters. In 2024 crews attended more than 180,000 call-outs caused by false alarms, many of which were triggered by smouldering food such as burnt toast.
GMFRS statement on the incident
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "At around 4.45pm today (Friday), fire crews were called to reports of a smoke alarm at a residential building on Canal Street in Manchester. Several fire engines from Manchester Central, Moss Side, Salford, Gorton, Philips Park and an aerial appliance from Manchester Central quickly attended the scene."
"Crews gained access to the property and discovered the alarm had been caused by fumes from burnt food left cooking on a hob. Firefighters carried out checks and ensured the property was safe. Firefighters were in attendance for approximately 30 minutes."
