Kitchen Blaze Ravages Ramsgate Home – Firefighters Rescue Kittens but Many Animals Perish
Kent Fire and Rescue Service rushed to a terrifying house fire on King Edward Road, Ramsgate. Three fire engines and crews battled flames with two main jets and two hose reels to bring the blaze under control.
Unattended Cooking Sparks Devastating Fire
The fire ignited in the kitchen after food was left unattended on the hob. The inferno gutted the entire ground floor and left the first floor heavily smoke-damaged. Thankfully, the sole occupant was out when firefighters arrived, and no human injuries were reported.
Kittens Saved but Many Pets Lost in Fire
Brave firefighters managed to rescue two kittens trapped inside. Sadly, several animals including snakes, spiders, and lizards did not survive the blaze.
Leanne McMahon, Group Manager for Community Safety at KFRS, warned: “Unfortunately, over half of all the fires we attend start in the kitchen. Most are caused by unattended cooking, grease build-up, or household items like tea towels or chopping boards left on the hob.”
Easy Tips to Prevent Kitchen Fires
- Never leave cooking unattended. Switch off the cooker if you must leave the room.
- Use timers for oven or grill items to avoid burning food.
- Plan and prepare meals ahead if busy, favouring ones that require minimal cooking.
- Avoid storing household items on or near your cooker.
- Keep your cooker, oven, and grill clean to prevent fat and grease build-up.
- Keep children and pets well away from cooking areas for safety.
- Turn off electric cookers, toasters, and microwaves at the mains when finished.
- Install working smoke alarms on every floor and test weekly for early fire detection.
Take a few moments to fireproof your kitchen and protect your home from a similar disaster.
