Kent Fire and Rescue are urging people not to smoke in bed after a Whitfield resident dozed off while smoking this morning.

A bedroom, in a ground floor flat in Fulburt Road, Whitfield, went up in flames after a 48-year-old man fell asleep with a cigarette on the go.
The incident happened at 8.41am.

Crews entered the building wearing breathing apparatus as they went to tackle the fire in the bedroom.
It set light to a mattress, leading to a fire that caused extensive damage to the bedroom and smoke damage to the rest of the flat.

The blaze was put out within 20 minutes, but the victim was taken to hospital with breathing apparatus.

Watch manager, Jamie Muddle, said: "When we turned up there was smoke issuing from the scene.

"The resident was already outside.

"He had dozed off smoking which is believed to be the cause of the fire."

Mr Muddle added: “This incident highlights how dangerous it is to smoke in bed.
“It’s very easy to fall asleep without realising your cigarette is still burning, but this can lead to a serious fire in your home.

“The message is simple; if you need to lie down, don’t light up.
"You could easily doze off and set your bed or sofa on fire.
"We would advise all residents to ensure that all smoking materials are fully extinguished after use.”