Firefighters say a smoke alarm was crucial in saving three tortoises after a fire broke out in their tank.

Crews were called to Faversham Road in the Kennington area of Ashford at 3.40pm today.

The smoke alarm had sounded, which meant they arrived in good time to get the tortoises out. The trio appeared to be uninjured.

The fire brigade says the blaze started from a heat lamp in a vivarium. They used fans to clear the smoke from the room.

They have warned that smoke alarms are the best protection for residents and pet owners if a fire breaks out.