A Staplehurst family who were eating their dinner while a chip pan fire raged in their kitchen were saved by their smoke alarm.

Two fire engines were sent to the two storey home in Fishers Close after the blaze broke out at 7.35pm on Wednesday evening.

Maidstone Crew Manager David Giuralarocca said: “It’s not entirely clear how the fire started as the family had been cooking chips in an electric chip fryer although they had put this on top of the gas hob so they could use the extractor hood to remove the fumes and it is possible that the gas was accidentally switched on, causing the plastic casing of the fryer to melt.

“The family heard a popping noise and then the alarms sounded; when they went to investigate, they found the fire.”

The family attempted to put some wet tea towels on the fire before leaving the property and calling 999.

Firefighters wore breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze.

Mr Giuralarocca added: “Fortunately they closed the door behind them so the damage was limited to the kitchen and no-one was hurt. However, this incident highlights how easily the importance of smoke alarms and that people should not try to tackle a fire themselves.”

The crews used a ventilation fan to clear the kitchen of smoke.

For fire saftey advice call 0800 923 7000 for free or visit www.3breaths.info