Fire crews have warned of the dangers of using open chip pans after a kitchen fire earlier this afternoon.

Firefighters rushed to a house in Kent Road, Margate, at 12.45pm after a man was thought to have started heating up a pan of oil to cook some chips.

Two fire engines went to the blaze which left the hob fully alight.

Margate firefighter Grant Mynheer said: "As this incident highlights, a moment's distraction can lead to disaster.

"Chip pans can over heat very easily, so it is essential that they are no left on the hob unattended.

"We would advise residents to consider other methods to cook chips, either by using over chips or a thermostatically-controlled fryer."

They had to use breathing apparatus and a hose reel jet to put it out.

A ventilation fan was also brought in to clear the smoke.

There were no reported injuries in the incident which was dealt with shortly before 1.20pm.