FIREFIGHTERS are urging people to think twice about making hoax 999 calls after crews were sent to a false emergency call.

Larkfield and Horton Kirby firefighters were sent to Meadow Bank Close, West Kingsdown, following what control room operators believed to be a genuine emergency call to a house fire.

However when they turned up, they realised it was a hoax call.

Kent police identified the culprit and issued a fixed penalty notice of £80 and disconnected their mobile phone.

Larkfield station manager Colin King said: “Our control centre staff do challenge callers who they believe are making hoax calls.

“However, in this instance, the caller appeared genuine.

“When it was realised that the call was a hoax, the recording of the call was handed to the police with the culprit’s mobile number, resulting in the disconnection of the phone and a fine.”

Hoax callers are sent a text message warning if they do it again, they will be cut off immediately.

They could also face a maximum fine of £5,000, six months in prison, or both.

Mr King said: “We want to remind everyone that the 999 service is there for emergencies only. I would urge anyone thinking of making a call of this nature, to think twice and to consider the consequences.

“This message is most important at this time of year while thousands of children are on their summer holidays. We need parents to remind their kids that to make a hoax call is not a joke and that by doing so that they are breaking the law.”