Smoke alarms, fitted by Dover fire-fighters, saved a family’s home when fire broke out in their flat on Wednesday, August 4.

The occupants of the flat at Colton Crescent heard the alarm sounding just before 10am and discovered a grill pan fire in their kitchen.

Following advice given to them by during a home safety visit by local crews, they quickly left the flat and called the fire service.

Two fire appliances from Dover arrived at the scene within minutes and immediately extinguished the small fire.

Dover Watch Manager Malcolm Cowie said: "As this incident demonstrates, smoke alarms provide vital early warning to the outbreak of fire. Fortunately smoke alarms had already been fitted in the flat and this, combined with the prompt actions of the occupier and fire crews on the scene, meant the fire was swiftly contained.

"Lasting damage to the flat was minimal and thanks to the quick-thinking firefighters at the scene, most of the family’s kitchen possessions survived the fire.

"Although this demonstrates that you should never leave cooking unattended, the occupants did the right thing by not attempting to tackle the fire but instead, shutting the kitchen door, getting out, and staying out of the property."

For tips on how to stay safe from the threat of fire contact Kent Fire and Rescue Service free on 0800 923 7000 or visit http://www.kent.fire-uk.org/