A man is lucky to be alive after a blaze broke out in his Rochester flat yesterday, Monday.

Crews from Strood and Medway were called to the first floor property in Albany Road at 5.40pm after been alerted by bystanders who had seen the man calling for help from his window.

On arrival, firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property, which sustained serious fire damage to the kitchen and smoke damage to the remainder of the flat. The occupant, said to be in his 50s, was taken to hospital suffering smoke inhalation.

Several other residents of neighbouring properties had to leave their homes during the fire but were allowed back in later.

The blaze is thought to have started because a pan had been left on the hob which has prompted Strood firefighters to remind residents not to leave cooking unattended.

Strood fire station manager Liam Hudson said: “This fire could have had a much more serious outcome and the man was lucky to escape with his life, because there were no smoke alarms fitted in the flat.

He added: "There are some very important safety messages to come out of this incident - fit smoke alarms - they really are invaluable in the event of fire. Never leave cooking unattended and, if you are unlucky enough to have fire start in your home, never tackle it yourself - get out, stay out and call us out."