Firefighters have issued a warning after an unattended saucepan caused a fire in a Kingston flat last week.

The brigade was called to the scene in Richmond Road just before 9pm on March 16 by neighbours who heard the smoke alarm and could smell burning.

One man managed to get out of the flat by himself but another had to be rescued by firefighters with breathing apparatus.

He was taken to a south London hospital suffering smoke inhalation.

Investigators found a saucepan had been left on the hob and boiled dry.

A London Fire Brigade spokeswoman said: “It is believed this fire was started by a saucepan which was left on the hob to boil dry.

“This is a timely reminder that cooking should never be left unattended.

“If you have to leave the room or the house, turn the heat off.

“Fires can start in any room and this particular fire also shows how important smoke and heat alarms are.

“Heat alarms are designed for use in the kitchen and go off if the temperature rises quickly or a dangerous temperature is reached.

“We also recommend smoke alarms are fitted in every room where fires can start as well as in the hallway but as a minimum you should fit at least one per floor.”

The flat was partially damaged in the fire.