A man of 98 escaped unhurt from his Blean Common home when fire broke out after his smoke alarm alerted neighbours.

Two crews from Canterbury were called just before 2.30pm following reports of a porch fire.

Crew manager Paul Wood said: “At the scene we met an elderly man suffering from the effects of shock and smoke inhalation who was being cared for by his neighbours.

"They had dialled 999 after being alerted to the fire when the smoke alarms sounded.”

The man was treated with oxygen but as a precaution he was taken to hospital where he was given more oxygen.

Mr Wood said it was believed the man had fallen asleep when he was woken by his neighbour trying to rescue him.

The neighbour led him to safety. It is thought that the fire started accidentally.
“This incident highlights two really important messages,” he said.

“The first, have a working smoke alarm fitted. They provide early warning to a fire in your home and can you buy you enough time to escape safely.

"Second, the oldest members of our community are most at risk of dying in a house fire and we need local neighbours and family to be aware of the danger signs that can lead to a fire in their homes so that we can protect them."

To arrange a free home fire safety check contact your local fire station, ring free on 0800 923 7000 or email hsv@kent.fire-uk.org