FIREFIGHTERS are to hold a demonstration highlighting the dangers of chip pan fires after two deaths in a matter of days.

Steve Livesey, 25, was found dead at his first floor flat, in Ennerdale Close, Shadsworth, Blackburn, on Thursday night.

Firefighters said a blaze had been sparked by a pan left unattended.

And on Sunday 30-year-old Wayne Fletcher died in Blackburn Royal Infirmary where he was taken following similar fire at his home, in The Gables, Benson Street, Blackburn in the early hours of Saturday. Mr Fletcher died of a heart attack in the hospital's intensive care unit. The coroner has been informed of both deaths.

Blackburn station officer Aidan Fortune said the tragedies highlighted the dangers of chip pan fires, which he described as a worry throughout the county.

Blackburn Rovers are holding an open day on Saturday at Ewood Park, which fire appliances were due to attend anyway.

As a result of these two fires, the chip pan demonstration unit will also be there.

SO Fortune said: "The demonstration shows just how quickly the pan can ignite and how fierce the blaze can be.

"Once we turn the heat off, firefighters show how to put the fire out.

"And using a cup of water on a long stick, we show how not to tackle the blaze."

Nationally 31 people died as a result of pan fires last year, and another 4,000 people were injured.

HERE'S HOW: Demonstration of dealing with a pan blaze

In Lancashire, firefighters were called out to 263 similar incidents, resulting in more than 100 injuries and three deaths.

And, despite campaigns, fires resulting from unattended cooking equipment were still occurring.

A leaflet will also be handed out on the day advising people on how to prevent blazes.