Firefighters have thanked the quick-thinking actions of a concerned resident who alerted them to a blaze in Ashford last night.

Crews were called to Centurion Walk, in Park Farm, Kingsnorth, just before 8pm yesterday by a resident who had heard a fire alarm in a nearby house.

It is believed that the homeowner had left a pan of oil on the hob unattended, which then caught alight.

The fire spread to the extractor fan above the hob and the kitchen units. The rest of the house suffered smoke damage.

Ashford watch manager, Mark Thomas, who attended the scene, said: “When we arrived the fire was already spreading to the extractor fan above the oven and the surrounding units.

"We managed to quickly bring the blaze under control before removing smoke from the home with a positive pressure ventilation fan.

“A nearby resident called us after hearing a smoke alarm sounding in the property.

"Without their actions this incident had the potential to become far more serious.”

"Given the speed in which the fire was beginning to spread there is little doubt that without their actions this incident had the potential to become far more serious.”

No one was hurt in the incident.

Now, firefighters are calling for homeowners to take extra care in the kitchen.

Mark added: “While accidents can and do happen I would urge anyone cooking with hot oil to stay at the hob, and if you do need to leave the kitchen, ensure you take the pan away from the heat source.

"This incident also shows just how important it is to fit and maintain working smoke alarms on every floor of your home.”

Residents are advised to follow these tips to prevent fires in the kitchen:

• Watch what you heat and don’t leave cooking unattended.
• Turn saucepan handles so that they don’t stick out from the hob
• Never fill a pan more than one third full of fat or oil. If the oil starts to smoke, do not begin cooking - remove from the heat and leave it to cool
• Keep the oven, hob and grill clean - a build up of fat and grease can easily catch fire
• Prevent children accidently turning on electric cookers by switching them off at the main after use
• Fit smoke alarms on every floor of your home, and test the batteries weekly
• If there is a fire, don’t take risks by tackling it yourself. Get out, stay out and call the fire and rescue service.

For further advice on how to keep you, your family or a neighbour safe from fire call Kent Fire and Rescue Service for free on 0800 923 7000 or go to www.3breaths.info for further information.