An elderly woman was rescued by her neighbours from a kitchen fire.

They heard the smoke alarm sounding in her house, dialled 999 and got her out.

One immediately rang the fire brigade and another went inside, put a blanket over the burning hob and led the woman to safety.

Firefighters were called to the blaze at the terraced house in Guilford Avenue, Whitfield, at around 10.15pm yesterday.

Two fire engines went and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel to put the flames out.

Dover watch manager Jamie Muddle said: "The woman had put some oil on to cook her dinner and left the room for a short while.

“Unfortunately, as we’ve seen, a fire can start very quickly and the effects can be devastating.

“Luckily, the woman had working smoke alarms that did their job and she has her neighbours to thank for her lucky escape. “

The fire had taken hold of the kitchen, destroying the cooker, extractor and kitchen units and causing smoke logging throughout the house.

Firefighters also used a thermal imaging camera to check for fire spread and hot spots.

The fire service says that if the oil in a chip pan starts to smoke, it’s too hot. The heat should be turned off and the pan left to cool.

People are advised to never fill a pan more than one-third full of fat or oil, never leave pans on the hob when you’re not around and to take them off the heat if you have to leave the kitchen and switch off the hob.

If a pan catches fire, turn off the heat underneath if it’s safe to do so and allow it to cool completely.

The fire service says don’t try to move the pan, and never throw water over it as this can cause a fireball.

If there is a fire, crews say to leave fighting it to the professionals. Leave the room, close the door, get everyone out of the house and call the fire service.