FIRE crews from two stations responded to a kitchen blaze in a flat.

Firefighters from Barrow and Walney responded to reports of a fire on Sloop Street in Barrow at 8:05pm.

Reports indicated that a kitchen had caught fire.

On their way to the incident, the priority was increased as it was discovered that a man in his late forties was trapped inside the property.

The fire was located three floors up in a flat, and three fire engines were required to tackle the situation.

Also present were Cumbria Police and Ambulance crews.

A neighbour had become aware of the fire and after attempting to reach the man trapped inside, they telephoned the fire service.

The blaze had allegedly started after several pieces of paper were left near a stove in the kitchen resulting in a fire that soon spread across the flat.

Firefighters used breathing apparatus and a hose reel to douse the flames.

Entry was gained with a sledgehammer,after which the occupant of the house was rescued.

The man was later treated for mild smoke inhalation by ambulance crews but managed to escape without any serious burns or injuries.

He was transferred to hospital soon after.

The fire was later extinguished.

Barrow’s part time and full-time crews joined Walney fire crews in rescuing the man.

Manager for Cumbria Fire and Rescue, Roger Exley said: “People in kitchens, and particularly with cookers, are one of the main causes of fires in Barrow.

“Often people become distracted or leave stoves unattended which often lead to fires.

“It is one of our biggest fire starters, so we urge people not to leave anything in the kitchen unattended unless they have been switched off. Please ensure that gas is always switched off. This has happens repeatedly and we stress caution. Luckily, this night was not too serious.”