Pets Spark Kitchen Infernos Across Kent
Two family pets accidentally set fire to their homes by switching on gas hobs with their paws and paws. These bizarre kitchen blazes added to Kent firefighters’ busy January call-outs.
Mischievous Moss Sets Three Gas Rings Ablaze
On 28 January in Sittingbourne, Moss, an eight-year-old border collie, jumped up to snatch leftovers and accidentally turned on three gas rings. Two ignited, setting fire to a cushioned tray left on the hob.
Fortunately, smoke alarms fitted during a previous Safe and Well visit by Kent Fire and Rescue Service alerted tenants Jane Hammond-Hawkins and her husband Ian. Jane was hospitalised as a precaution for minor smoke inhalation.
“I just can’t stress enough, do not leave anything on top of your hob,” Jane warned. “Our kitchen’s small but there’s no excuse. Never in a million years did I think a dog would set fire to my kitchen.”
Two fire engines arrived swiftly, tackling the blaze with a hose reel jet at 6.07pm at their bungalow in Gore Road.
Cat Chaos in Maidstone
Moss isn’t sole troublemaker. In Maidstone on 24 January, a cat stepped on the ignition button of a gas cooker in Boughton Monchelsea, sparking flames from a tea towel left on the stove.
Firefighters arrived at 12.45am and extinguished the fire wearing breathing apparatus. Two adults, two children, three dogs, and the fiery feline escaped unscathed but were checked for smoke inhalation.
The family closed the kitchen door before escaping, limiting fire spread and damage.
Kent Kitchens Under Fire
January saw 100 kitchen-related incidents across Kent. Fires often stemmed from unattended cooking, grease build-up, or household items left on hot hobs — including tea towels, chopping boards, and laundry baskets.
Colin King, KFRS Area Manager for Customer Safety and Engagement, said:
“Over half of all fires we attend start in the kitchen. Many could be prevented by watching your cooking, using timers, keeping appliances clean, and keeping children and pets away from hot surfaces.”
So, keep a sharp eye on your kitchen and don’t let your furry friends near the cooker — or you might be next to call the fire brigade!
