FIREFIGHTERS were called to three kitchen fires yesterday (Thursday).

FIREFIGHTERS were called to three kitchen fires yesterday (Thursday).

The first call came in at 10am to a fire in Oysterfields, St Albans, after neighbours heard the smoke alarm sounding.

The occupants were out at the time and crews from St Albans fire station had to break into the property wearing breathing apparatus to put out the fire, which is thought to have been caused by some food left in the oven.

Then at 12.30pm they were called to Harvest Court after a fire broke out in the oven of an elderly woman’s property.

She had attempted to put out the blaze herself without success but firefighters quickly dealt with the fire and ventilated the property, and called paramedics as a precaution.

While the crew were attending that incident, another call came in after a fire broke out in the kitchen of a property in Catherine Street.

Again, food is thought to have been left in the oven but firefighters managed to put out the blaze quickly.

A St Albans firefighter stressed that there was minimal damage caused as all three properties were fitted with a smoke alarm. For a free home fire safety check, contact the fire station on 01727 818919.