A Chatham man suffered burns to his arms and hands following a chip pan fire at his home in Chatham Hill, on Friday afternoon

Firefighters from Medway were called to the property at about 2.30pm after reports of a kitchen fire.

They found the kitchen alight and a man suffering burns.

The fire was started by a chip pan which had been left to cook unattended.

When the homeowner realised the pan was alight, he attempted to put out the fire by removing the pan from the hob and taking it outside.

On his way out he dropped the pan, burning himself and causing fire damage to the surrounding area.

The property had a smoke alarm, but it failed to go off because it was incorrectly positioned.

The incident has lead to fresh safety warnings from Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

Medway watch manager Paul Nash said: “There are several very important safety messages highlighted by this incident.

“Firstly, fit and regularly maintain a smoke alarm on every level of your home.

“Secondly, use chip pans with care and never move a pan that is on fire, instead follow the simple rule - get out, stay out and call 999.”

The man was treated for burns by paramedics at the scene and was later taken to hospital.

Firefighters plan to visit the area to offer fire safety advice and free home safety visits.