A flat fire started by a pan of oil has prompted firefighters to warn of the dangers of leaving cooking utensils unattended.

This evening Kent Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a hob fire at a home in Chancel Drive, in Wainscott, Rochester.

Three fire engines attended and crews wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire with hose reel jets, before using a high-pressured fan to clear the property of smoke.

One person was checked over as a precaution by firefighters, after inhaling some smoke. No other injuries were reported.

A spokesman said: “It’s believed the fire started accidentally when a pan of oil caught alight on the hob.

“It’s important to never leave any cooking unattended, especially as oil can easily catch alight when it gets too hot, and remember not to fill the pan too high as it could overflow.”