Neighbours raise alarm to kitchen fire

Firefighters are highlighting the importance of having smoke alarms after we were called to a kitchen fire by neighbours who heard smoke alarms going off. 

Crews were called to a kitchen fire in Lexden Road, Colchester at 2.28pm today. 

The neighbours heard smoke alarms going off and called 999 when they could see black smoke in the kitchen windows. 

When firefighters arrived they found a fire in the kitchen. The resident has accidentally switched the hob on and items left on top had caught alight. 

Watch Manager Doc Holliday said: "We've attended a number of incidents recently were hobs have been accidentally switched on and items have been left on top have set alight. Crews worked quickly to stop the fire from spreading but unfortunately the kitchen has been left completely damaged and the rest of the property is smoke damaged.

"Using your hob as a storage area or a worktop can be tempting, but please never take the chance.

"It's incredibly easy to accidentally turn your hob on and if that happens and something is on top of it, a kitchen fire is inevitable. So please, keep your hob and oven clean and clear of clutter at all times.

"Luckily the neighbours heard the smoke alarm going off and called us. It shows how important it is to have working smoke alarms at home. They don’t just alert you to a fire, they can also alert neighbours and passers-by." 

Hob and cooker top tips: 

• Never use the hob or cooker as a storage area 
• Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob 
• Keep the oven, hob and grill clean, and in good working order – a build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire 
• Double check the cooker is off when you've finished cooking