Firefighters have issued a warning after three kitchens went up in flames across Kent within five hours.

In one of the most serious incidents crews gave first aid to a man who suffered burns at his home in Harold Road, Sittingbourne.

He was injured when a pan with oil caught fire.

Crews needed to wear breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze, which happened at 6.29pm.

A man was also treated for smoke inhalation when a fire broke out at a flat in The Oysters, Whitstable, just before 2pm.

A chip pan had been left on the hob.

A positive pressure ventilation fan was used to clear smoke in the corridor area and crews remained at the scene until 4.22pm.

They also attended a microwave alight in a flat in Beacon Close, Gillingham at 2.40pm.

Crews again used a positive pressure ventilation fan to clear smoke from the property and were at the scene until 6.10pm.

People are being reminded to keep an eye on their cooking and remember to switch off their cooker if they have to leave the room.

Other advice includes using a timer for items placed in the oven, microwave or grill to remind the cook when their food is done and to save it from burning.

Fire crews say people should avoid storing or placing household items on their cooker or stove and keep their cooker, grill and oven clean to avoid a build up of grease and fat that could start a fire.

All electric cookers, toasters and microwaves should be turned off at the mains when they are not in use.