Never leave cooking unattended. That’s the warning from Ashford firefighters after four people escaped a potentially serious fire at their home.

Red Watch firefighters were called to Somerset Road, Ashford, shortly after 5pm on Monday after a resident left hot oil unattended in his kitchen.

By the time two crews from Ashford arrived, four people had managed to escape the terraced property, but the fire had spread from the pan to an extractor unit and some nearby cupboards, threatening to engulf the kitchen.

Watch manager, Mark Thomas, said: “When we arrived four people had suffered smoke inhalation and the fire had spread from the chip pan.

“There were no smoke alarms that worked in the property, so we provided some and did a leaflet drop to nearby homes, but it is a reminder that you should never leave cooking unattended.”

Kent Fire and Rescue Service offers free Home Safety Visits, where firefighters can advise homeowners on fire safety and fit, where necessary, free smoke alarms.

The visits take about 30 minutes and can be arranged by calling the free number 0800 923 7000. You can also log onto www.kent.fire-uk.org for further advice.