A Rochester resident has a friend to thank for preventing a blaze in their home, after they left cooking unattended on a hob.

Firefighters were called to the Tideway at 2.15pm after a neighbour heard the alarm going and spotted smoke coming from the house.

Two engines were sent to the scene and crews gained access through an upstairs window.

They removed a pan of burnt eggs that had boiled dry on a gas hob in the kitchen and had started to smoulder, causing thick smoke to activate the smoke alarm.

Firefighters led a dog out of the house and used a ventilation fan to clear the smoke.

Fortunately, the dog is believed to have been unharmed and there was no lasting damage to the home, but crews are warning things could have been a lot worse without the swift action of the neighbour and the working smoke alarm.

Rochester crew manager Nicholas Dunnet said: “This incident highlights how important it is to have working smoke alarms in your home. The smoke alarm provided early warning before a fire had time to take hold and, thanks to the neighbour calling 999, prevented a more serious incident.

“We would advise residents to take extra care not to leave cooking unattended and to ensure that cookers and hobs are switched off if you have to go out, even if it is only for a short time.”

For advice or to check if you’re eligible for a free home safety visit, call 0800 923 7000.