A family managed to escape a house fire unharmed after a grill caught alight in their kitchen.

Two fire engines were sent to the home in Larch Road, Dartford, shortly before 1pm this afternoon.

It's understood the blaze started accidentally after the grill was left on and caused cooking fat to catch fire.

The flames then spread to cupboards above the cooker.

The residents, who were alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm sounding, managed to escape the property before fire crews arrived. No one was injured.

Firefighters wore breathing apparatus to enter the property to extinguish the flames, before clearing the home of smoke with a high pressured fan.

Following the incident, crews issued safety advise to members of the public to ensure cooking appliances are switched off when not in use.

Now they are reminding homeowners to take extra care when cooking as oil and fat can catch light if it gets too hot.

To help reduce the risk of a kitchen fire, they advise keeping ovens, grills and hobs clean and clear.

It is also advised to have a working smoke alarm on each floor of your home and to test it weekly.

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