A family had a lucky escape after their sounding smoke alarm alerted them to a kitchen fire at their home in Maidstone.

An air fryer had caught alight at the house in Harrow Walk, Coxheath, after being left on top of a hob which had accidentally been left switched on.

Parents Jamie and Cristal, and their five children aged between four months and 14 years old, were in bed upstairs when they heard the alarms just after 9.15pm last night (14 April) and called 999.

Luckily, the fire was small and already out when two fire engines arrived, but crews helped lead the family to safety and cleared the home of smoke using high-pressured fans.

Jamie said: “I honestly believe the smoke alarms saved our lives. It could’ve been a very different story if they hadn’t gone off, so I would encourage everyone to check their smoke alarms. Do it today.

“We’re lucky the fire was small, but the house was filled with so much smoke. You couldn’t see through it.

“Without a doubt, it will make us more aware of fire risks and we’ll be double checking everything is switched off at night.”

Vicki Board, Group Manager at Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) said: “Most importantly, we’re glad Jamie, Cristal and their family are safe, and they did the right thing by calling 999 for help.

“This incident shows how important it is to have smoke alarms on each floor of your home and to test them regularly. It really could save your life.

“Also, it’s a reminder for everyone to check their hobs and cooking appliances are switched off when they’re not in use, particularly at night or when you’re going out, and to make sure they’re kept clear of anything that could catch alight.”