A series of fires across Medway and Swale over a recent four week period have prompted firefighters to ask people to ensure safety is top of their list this Christmas.

Between Wednesday, November 5 and Friday, December 5, fire crews attended 17 accidental fires in people’s homes in Chatham, Hartlip, Lordswood, Parkwood, Rainham, Rochester, Sheerness, Sittingbourne, St Mary’s Island, Strood and Walderslade.

Four were caused after items were placed on or too close to a heat source causing the items to catch alight.

Four were cooking related and a man in his 60s had to be given oxygen therapy by crews after being rescued from his Chatham home after his chip pan caught alight.

Nine were electrical, including an extension cable not being fully unwound, which sparked a fire.

Video: Kent Fire and Rescue give saftey tips

Dean Firmin, a station manager for Kent Fire and Rescue, (KFRS) said: “Many fires in the home could be avoided with a little extra care.

“If you’re cooking don’t leave your pans unattended, take them off the heat if you leave the room. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

“Don’t overload sockets if you’re decorating your home with Christmas lights, always use circuit breakers and make sure extension leads are always fully unwound.

“Common sense and some fire safety tips are often all that’s needed to keep you safe but a working smoke alarm is a must have for every home.

“It might not be the most festive of gifts but could be exactly what someone on your Christmas list needs and it might just save their life.”

KFRS offers free safety advice and services to everyone to speak to a home safety advisor call 0800 9237000.

Firefighter Firmin added: “If you’ve got elderly relatives or neighbours take the time to test their smoke alarms and don’t forget to change the batteries if needed.”