A family had a lucky escape after a chip pan is believed to have overheated sparking a kitchen fire.

The blaze broke out at a home in Black Bull Road, Folkestone, at about 7.50pm last night (Sunday).

Two fire engines and an ambulance were sent to the scene, where firefighters led two adults to safety and rescued a hamster from the property.

The two adults, along with two children were passed into the care of paramedics after suffering from suspected smoke inhalation.

Wearing breathing apparatus, firefighters used jets of water to extinguish the flames, before ventilating the property with a high pressured fan.

Following the incident, crews are reminding members of the public to take extra care in the kitchen.

They advise: "Always keep looking while you’re cooking and it’s safer to keep pets and children well away from any hot appliances.

"If you do struggle to juggle mealtimes, try using a timer to remind you if there’s something cooking."