Firefighters in Dover are warning home owners to check their smoke alarm batteries in a quest to keep people safe.

The recommendation follows a kitchen blaze at a house in Matthews Place late Friday evening when flames were seen coming from the oven.

All occupants quickly left the building and two fire engines were called just before 11pm, to discover the smoke alarm battery was not in the device.

A spokesman for Dover Fire Station said: “Thankfully everyone was safe and the blaze was soon put out, but we are asking people to check their batteries in their alarms.

“Kent Fire and Rescue do offer free home safety advice, so please ring 0800 923 7000.”

Fire firefighters visited homes in Matthews Place on Saturday to distribute leaflets about fire safety.