A quick-thinking neighbour helped prevent a fire breaking out after a pan was left unattended in the kitchen next door.

She heard the smoke alarm sounding at the flat in Drummond Close in Willesborough at 1.45pm yesterday.

She managed to gain access to the flat and found a pan of food on the stove unattended and on fire.

She switched off the power to the cooker, but couldn’t take the pan off the hob because she was overpowered by the heat and the smoke.

So she left the house and took her family outside and dialled 999 for the fire brigade, then firefighters wearing specialist breathing masks entered the flat, using a hose reel jet to put out the fire.

Ashford watch manager Kevin Sturridge said: “This incident highlights just how vital it is to have working smoke alarms fitted on each floor of your home to provide early warning of a fire.

“Even if you are out, there’s a chance that the alarm will alert a neighbour or a passer-by. Without a working smoke alarm and the swift actions of the neighbour who heard it sounding, this incident could have been far more serious.”

He said that half of domestic fires start in the kitchen, where people get distracted while cooking.

He added: “We are reminding residents to make sure they keep their eye on their cooking at all times and switch off their cooking appliances after use.”

Kent Fire and Rescue Service has launched a kitchen fire safety campaign to highlight risks. The campaign aims to encourage families to make safety their main ingredient when they are cooking.

Were you the neighbour who sprang into action? Contact the newsroom on 01233 895808 or email abarlow@thekmgroup.co.uk