A FAMILY'S pet dog started a fire in a kitchen after accidentally turning on a hob. 

Firefighters have issued a warning to homeowners following a kitchen fire in Colchester this morning.

Fire crews were called to Foresight Road shortly before 10am this morning. When they arrived at the house, they found the kitchen was full of smoke.

They were able to quickly extinguish the fire and ventilated the property, avoiding any serious issues.

Thanks to the working smoke detectors and quick actions of the firefighters, the damage was contained to the kitchen.

Watch manager Ian Ryder, at Colchester Fire Station said: "We are urging residents in Essex to keep their hobs and oven completely clear.

“This morning we were called out to a kitchen fire which started after a cardboard box was left on top of an electric hob. The hob had been turned on accidentally by the family's pet dog.

"Thankfully the house had working smoke alarms, so alerted the occupants at the first sign of fire, which enable them to get out, stay out and call the fire service out.

"If you have an electric hob, it's best to turn the hob off at the switch when you are not using it. That way it can't be accidentally turned on".

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