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A dramatic rescue unfolded on Sunday afternoon when Kent Fire and Rescue Service responded to a kitchen fire at a residence on Cerne Road, Gravesend.
Two fire engines arrived on the scene, and crews, equipped with breathing apparatus, swiftly brought the blaze under control using a hose reel jet.
The fire, believed to have been accidentally started by an overheated microwaveable heat pad discarded in the kitchen bin, filled the home with smoke. Firefighters, displaying exceptional bravery, rescued two cats trapped inside. Recognizing the critical situation, crews immediately administered oxygen therapy to the felines using specialized pet oxygen masks. No other injuries reported.
Following this incident, Kent Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to exercise extreme caution when disposing of any items that have been heated. This includes ensuring that heat pads, smoking materials, and ash from fireplaces and log burners are completely cooled down before being placed in the bin.