FIREFIGHTERS rescued a dog after a blaze started in a Canvey home.

Neighbours called the fire service after seeing smoke issuing from the top window of a house in Hornsland Road, Canvey, at about 5pm yesterday.

When firefighters arrived at the proprety, they reported the fire was in the kitchen and the whole house was heavily smoke logged.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus entered the property to extinguish the fire using one hose reel jet.

When inside, the crews found a greyhound dog and carry it out to safety. The dog appeared unharmed and was left in the care of neighbours.

Firefighters at the scene found the fire had started when cooking had been left unattended on the hob. Incidents like these show how important it is to take extra care in the kitchen.

Head of Communtiy Safety, Neil Fenwick said: “The kitchen is a major flashpoint for fires. More house fires start in the kitchen than any other room so we are urging everyone to make sure that they take care when they're cooking."

To make sure you stay as safe as possible in the kitchen: •Avoid leaving cooking unattended and never leave children in the kitchen alone.

•Take care if you’re wearing loose clothing – they can easily catch fire.

•Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.

•Check toasters are clean and placed away from curtains and kitchen rolls.

•Keep the oven, hob and grill clean and in good working order. A build up of fat and grease can ignite a fire.

•Take care when cooking with hot oil – it sets alight easily. If the oil starts to smoke – it’s too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool. Ideally cook oven chips but if you are deep fat frying then use a thermostat controlled electric deep fat fryer - they can’t overheat.

•Never try to cook after a night out drinking. It is far better to grab a kebab on the way home than to attempt to cook while intoxicated.

The best way to stay safe in the home is to fit and regularly test smoke alarms. If you would like to arrange for a FREE home safety visit, during which smoke alarms will be fitted free of charge, then call us on 0300 303 0088 or email webmaster@essex-fire.gov.uk.