Kent Fire and Rescue Service has issued a safety warning after crews were called to a kitchen fire in Strood, this afternoon.

Firefighters were called to Watling Street at 1.42pm to tackle a blaze which is believed to have started when a hob was turned on accidentally, setting fire to a washing basket which had been left on top.

Two fire engines attended and crews wearing breathing apparatus used hose reel jets to extinguish the flames, before using a high pressured fan to clear the house of smoke.

An occupant of the home was alerted to the fire by sounding smoke alarms, and was later checked by SECAmb paramedics as a precaution for minor smoke inhalation.

Following the incident, firefighters are reminding people to always keep their ovens, hobs and grills clean and clear of any items which could catch fire.

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