by Angela Cole

acole@thekmgroup.co.uk

A blaze which started after a man fell asleep while cooking has prompted a warning from firefighters.

Fire crews were called to the incident in Chenies Close, Tunbridge Wells early this morning, at just after midnight.

Two crews wearing breathing apparatus fought the fire, after they were alerted by a passer by who noticed smoke coming out of the flat window.

Watch manager Keith Ward said: "The resident’s smoke alarm was sounding and when we arrived he was conscious and breathing but had to be taken to hospital because of the smoke he had inhaled.

"Just three breaths of smoke can cause unconsciousness and this incident had the potential to be even more serious. It really does highlight the frightening fact that fire breaks out when you least expect so always take absolute care when cooking. Never leave cooking unattended."

He reminded householders that you should always turn off the heat if you're leaving the room; never fill a pan more than one third full of fat or oil, and if you are going for a night out try and pre-plan for when you get home, so that you are not tempted to cook after drinking.