A kitchen fire caused by a hob being left on has caused extensive damage.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service crews from Burgess Hill and Hurstpierpoint were called to a home in Friars Close, Hassocks on April 23.

The incident began after the occupant of the house left with the hob still on, which caused items on top of the cooker to set alight.

Neighbours heard the activated smoke alarm and called 999.

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Watch manager James Crockett said: “Fires started by cooking account for more than 50 percent of accidental fires in the home. Most of these fires occur when people are distracted and leave things unattended.

“Please be aware of all the potential dangers in your kitchen and stay alert when cooking. Always remember to take pans off the heat if you are called away from the cooker and keep items such as tea towels and oven gloves away from the hob.

“It is important to install smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them regularly.

“In the event of a fire in your home, always get out, stay out, and call 999.”

After the incident, firefighters visited other properties in the area to give fire safety advice.