By Hayley Robinson

Seven pets escaped uninjured after a fire broke out at a Parkwood home.

Crews were called to an address in Rowbrocke Close at 9.30pm on Thursday night after neighbours raised the alarm.

It started in the stairwell of the home after an oil burner was left alight by the occupiers of the house who had gone out for the evening.

Trapped inside were three dogs, two cats a hamster and a parrot.

It took firefighters 15 minutes to put the fire out but they stayed until 10.45pm speaking to the owner and checking the property.

Paul Nash, blue watch manager for Medway, said: "The property didn’t have a smoke alarm. Luckily the smoke filtered through to next door and they called the fire brigade believing it was their home on fire. It was only when they evacuated their home they saw it was the house next door that was on fire.

"We understand the owner of the house may have lit the oil burner to clear the air after cleaning the animals but then went out while it was still lit.

"The advice is never leave a naked flame unattended and always make sure you have a working smoke alarm fitted.

"We offer free home safety checks and free smoke alarms."

For your free home safety check call 0800 923 7000.