A plastic container left on a hob led to a kitchen fire in Headcorn.

The blaze happened when the cooker was accidentally switched on, causing the plastic to melt.

Two fire engines attended just before 8pm at the home in Forge Meadows and the occupants, plus their two dogs, were able to get out when they heard a smoke alarm sounding.

Maidstone Watch Manager, Dominic Moore, said: “Both residents became aware of the fire after hearing their smoke alarm sounding. On discovering what was happening they quickly closed the kitchen door, got out of their home, and called for the emergency services.

“This shows just how important fitting and maintaining a working smoke alarm on every floor of your home really is. The early warning gave the occupiers, and their two dogs, enough time to leave their property safely before the fire spread any further.

"I would encourage people not to store items on electric hobs as accidents like this can and will happen.”

Crews went inside to tackle the fire and also had to use a ventilation fan to clear smoke from the property.

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