DORSET & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is reminding people not to leave cooking unattended after a flat fire on Monday.

An elderly man was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation after leaving pans switched on and unattended.

He only became aware that fire had broken out when the smoke alarm sounded.

DWFRS station manager Steve Broad said: “Nearly two thirds of all accidental dwelling fires in Dorset and Wiltshire start in the kitchen, and this incident shows just how easy it is for accidents to happen.

"Thankfully, this property had a working smoke alarm and the occupant was able to escape the flat before fire crews arrived, but the damage to his home is quite severe.”

DWFRS provide free safe and well visits, which aim to make you safer in your own home.

A member of DWFRS staff will come to your home and provide you with bespoke home safety advice, covering areas such as the use of candles, cooking, electric blankets, overloading sockets, chimneys, low energy light bulbs and much more.

They even fit or replace smoke alarms, if appropriate.

Visit www.dwfire.org.uk/safety for information.