Take care in the kitchen - that's the message from Kent Fire and Rescue Service following a spate of fires in the Swale area over the weekend.

Sittingbourne crews had to tackle a blaze at an address in Lower Road, Teynham, on Sunday after paper which was left close to the cooker caught light. Crews were called at 7.42pm and dealt with the small fire within eight minutes.

Two crews from Sittingbourne were also called to a similar incident at an address in Coldharbour Lane, Sittingbourne, just before 7.20am on Saturday. An electric hob was accidentally turned on and set light to a cardboard box which had been left on top. The fire was out within 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, two Sheppey appliances were sent to a fire at Clarence Row, Sheerness, at 7.47pm on Sunday, after a cooker was left on causing fat residues to ignite. The room was left smoke damaged.

Charlie Smith, KFRS Community Safety Manager, said: “Our crews did a fantastic job in attending so quickly and dealing with the incidents so swiftly. Fortunately no-one was hurt in any of these incidents while only fairly minimal damage was caused.

“However, these fires highlight the care that needs to be taken in the kitchen as a moment of distraction can quickly and easily lead to a major blaze – the outcome for others could easily be tragic.”

Residents are advised to take the following safety measures:

• Don’t leave pans unattended. Take them off the heat if you leave the room. Remember, fire starts when your attention stops
• Turn saucepan handles so that they don’t stick out from the hob
• Never fill a pan more than one third full of fat or oil. If the oil starts to smoke, do not begin cooking - remove from the heat and leave it to cool
• Keep the oven, hob and grill clean - a build up of fat and grease can easily catch fire
• Do not leave items on top of a hob in case it is accidentally turned on
• If you are going out for a night out and may be drinking, try and pre-plan for your return home and take a snack from the fridge or cupboard instead of turning on the cooker for a hot meal.
• Fit smoke alarms on every floor of your home, and test the batteries regularly
• If there is a fire, get out, stay out and call the Fire and Rescue service.

If you would like any further information on fire safety issues, please call our freephone number 0800 923 7000 to book a home safety visit or visit our website on www.kent.fire-uk.org