FIRE crews are campaigning to warn residents about rubbish and kitchen fires.

Thames-side firefighters will be giving out leaflets across Gravesend entitled ‘Kitchen Killers’ which urge careful use of cookers and other kitchen equipment.

They will also be delivering a special leaflet to residents around Dering Way and Dickens Estate in Gravesend where there have been a number of deliberate rubbish fires.

The leaflet, called ‘We can’t be in two places at the same time’, will ask residents to dispose of rubbish carefully and report any fire setting activity.

Station manager Steve Dunn said: “We want people to support us in our work and hope that this is the only time they will need to see us, rather than when their loved ones or worldly possessions are at risk.”

The firefighters will be hosting an open day from 11am to 4pm on August 28 at their station in Coldharbour Rd, Northfleet, to raise awareness about the dangers of fire and will show displays and demonstrations.

Mr Dunn said: “We’d like residents to think about the safety measures in their own homes, such as having a working smoke alarm, but also to consider any elderly relatives and neighbours as this is a particularly vulnerable group.

“We won’t be able to visit every home but residents can also come to us for advice and the open day on Saturday is a great opportunity to have fun, see our firefighters in action and take home some invaluable guidance.”