FIREFIGHTERS have issued a warning for people to take care when cooking, especially when late at night and tired.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) were called to an address in the early hours, on Thursday, following a kitchen fire caused by pizza and chips being put into the oven by the occupant, who then fell asleep.

DWFRS group manager Katie Cornhill said: “This person was extremely fortunate that a neighbour saw smoke coming from the kitchen and raised the alarm, rousing them and also calling 999.

"There was smoke throughout the property and this could have proved fatal had they not been woken up.

"We would urge anyone wanting a late night snack to either get a takeaway or not cook.”

Visit dwfire.org.uk/safety-at-home for more safety advice.