A dog has been rescued following a kitchen fire in a home in Dartford yesterday.

The blaze is believed to have started after a wooden chopping board was left on top of a hob, which had been left on accidentally, and started to smoulder.

Two fire engines were sent to the flat in Bennett Close, Darenth, at around 11.50am where crews used hose reel jets to put it out.

They also used a smoke curtain and a high pressured fan to prevent any further smoke damage to the home.

The residents were out at the time but firefighters rescued a dog which was left in the care of a family member.

Following the fire, crews are reminding people to always ensure hobs are clear of any flammable objects, including tea towels, washing baskets and chopping boards.

Keeping cooking appliances clean also helps to reduce the build-up of fat and grease, a fire service spokesman said, which can easily catch alight.