FIREFIGHTERS tackled a minor blaze at in a flat at Westbrook, near Margate, today after an unattended saucepan boiled dry.

Crews from Margate and Thanet stations were called to the fire at Westbrook Gardens after smoke alarms, fitted by Kent Fire and Rescue Service, alerted other residents to the fire.

Margate station commander Mick Smith said: “The occupant of the flat had gone out in a hurry and forget that the pan was still boiling away in the kitchen. It caught fire and the smoke set off alarms in the communal areas of the property, as well as attracting the attention of a man working on a roof nearby.

“Incidents like this highlight some very important safety messages. Never leave cooking unattended and fit and maintain smoke alarms. They are vital and really do have the potential to save your life in the unfortunate event of fire.”

There was some smoke damage to the flat. As is routine in an incident like this, firefighters will be issuing follow up home fire safety advice to the occupant.

* For further advice on how to keep you and your home safe from fire, call the community fire safety team on 01622 698360 or log on to www.kent.fire-uk.org.