Firefighters have issued a warning about kitchen safety following two cooking-related fires just a few hours apart.

Crews were called to Rochester Avenue in Rochester shortly after 2.30pm on Monday to tackle a kitchen fire caused by a saucepan of oil overheating.

Watch manager Marc Rosier, who attended the incident, said: “The resident was fortunate to escape injury as she had tried to put the fire out by pouring water onto the pan.

"This is the worst thing you can do as the hot oil will expand, turn to steam and rise in a big cloud. Each particle of steam is coated in burning oil and if you are near it you could be badly burned."

The fire caused damage to the cooker and minor smoke damage to the kitchen.

Meanwhile, a man in his 70s required treatment for smoke inhalation after a fire broke out in a microwave at Rectory Close, Snodland.

Two appliances from Larkfield were sent to the property at 8.12pm and assisted the man who had overcooked his pudding in the microwave, causing the plastic container to catch alight.

Head of community safety at Kent Fire and Rescue, Stuart Skilton, said: “These incidents highlight just how important it is to take care in the kitchen. Always keep an eye on what you are cooking and ensure you follow heating instructions carefully.”

He added: “We also advice to anyone unfortunate enough to discover a fire in their home is to never tackle the flames themselves unless within your capability to do so. It is far safer to get out of your property, stay out, and call the fire service out”.

For advice on fire safety call 0800 9237000 or watch the ‘stand by your pan’ cooking safety film at www.standbyyourpan.com