A family in Maidstone had a fortunate escape after their smoke alarm alerted them to a kitchen fire at their residence in Harrow Walk, Coxheath.

The incident occurred just after 9:15 p.m. last night, on April 14, when an air fryer caught fire atop a hob that had been inadvertently left switched on. Jamie and Cristal, along with their five children, aged between four months and 14 years old, were upstairs in bed when the smoke alarms sounded, prompting them to swiftly call emergency services.

Upon arrival, firefighters found that the fire was already extinguished, but smoke had filled the home. Using high-pressure fans, crews cleared the premises of smoke and ensured the family’s safety.

Jamie expressed his gratitude towards the smoke alarms, stating, “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.”

Reflecting on the incident, he emphasized the importance of heightened awareness regarding fire risks and pledged to be vigilant about ensuring all appliances are switched off at night.

Vicki Board, Group Manager at Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS), reiterated the critical role of smoke alarms in safeguarding lives. She emphasized the necessity of having smoke alarms on every floor of a home and testing them regularly, emphasizing that they could be the difference between life and death in such situations.

Furthermore, the Board advised homeowners to exercise caution with cooking appliances, ensuring they are switched off when not in use, particularly during nighttime or when leaving the house. She emphasized the importance of keeping cooking areas clear of any flammable materials to mitigate the risk of fires.

The incident serves as a poignant reminder for individuals to prioritize fire safety measures in their homes, underscoring the potential lifesaving impact of smoke alarms and responsible appliance usage.