In Tsang Kwun O Hou Tak Estate a seventy-one years old, living alone deaf and dumb woman, using kerosene stove for cooking for suspected economic reason, had accidentally toppled the stove while cooking congee for breakfast. Her clothing was on fire and being unable to yell for help, she fell to the ground and passed out. Neighbours upon finding her unit crowded by heavy smoke hastily called the police for help. Firemen came, forced open the door and rescued the woman. Her body suffered fifty percent burn putting her life in peril. Experienced social workers pointed out that quite a number of the elderly use kerosene stoves for cooking economic reason without realizing the potential danger and hence resulting in a number of accidents.

Being cheaper is elderly's preference for kerosene stoves

　　As to the living alone deaf and dumb old lady injured by kerosene stoves fire, Chan Ping Lun, a social worker from St. James' Settlement pointed out that their organization offers distribution of donated appliances under the Electrical Appliances for the Elderly Program. The social worker would base on the applicants' economic and living condition to provide the needed assistance. Had the victim in this case been referred to the organization, she would be asked to give up use of the kerosene stoves and be given an electric rice cooker to reduce potential fire hazards. Chan Ping Lun also indicated that use of kerosene stoves aside from risk spreading fire to other articles in the premise would generate fumes harmful to the lung and the respiratory system. From his contact with many elderly using kerosene stoves, he found that being frugal and desire to make additional saving, even for those who have no need for being so, was the prime cause for lack of desire to spend money on more expensive cooking appliances.