The dangers of storing items on the hob have been highlighted following a kitchen fire in Tunbridge Wells.

An electric hob that was accidently switched on set a plastic chip pan fryer alight.

Two fire engines were called to Chilston Road at 1pm on Wednesday, August 6 after the pan that was stored on top of the oven caught fire.

A man and woman were assessed by paramedics at the scene. The woman required medical attention for slight smoke inhalation.

The fire was contained to the kitchen area with the rest of the flat lightly damaged by smoke.

“While accidents can and do happen it’s important to take care in the kitchen and never store items on top of the hob" - Watch manager, Mark Havell

Tunbridge Wells watch manager, Mark Havell, who attended the incident, said: “When we arrived the occupants were out of the property.

"We were therefore able to concentrate on tackling the fire which was still contained to the kitchen area and ventilated the remaining smoke from the flat.

“While accidents can and do happen it’s important to take care in the kitchen and never store items on top of the hob.

"I would also advise anyone unfortunate enough to have a fire in their home to make getting out of the building their first priority, reducing the amount of time spent breathing in toxic fire fumes as much as possible.”