A quick thinking woman called firefighters after smelling smoke in her neighbour’s home.

Two fire engines from Medway were sent to the house in Seaview Road, Gillingham, just before 10.30am.

Fire crews had to force entry into the property and discovered that a faulty extractor fan in a ground floor bathroom had caught alight and fallen onto some towels.

Medway watch manager, Paul Nash said: “After smelling smoke in her own home and hearing the smoke alarm sounding, the neighbour went to investigate and could see what looked like smoke through the window.

“Had the fire been left to burn there is no telling how bad the damage may have been but having working smoke alarms in your home really does make the difference. In the event of a fire they will not just alert anyone in the home, but also close neighbours and passers-by and in this incident, the early warning also reduced the amount of damage caused.”

The bathroom walls and ceilings were blackened with smoke and there was some smoke damage to the kitchen and lounge.

Nobody was injured in the fire.

For information and advice on fire alarms freephone 0800 923 7000 or email home@kent.fire-uk.org.