FIREFIGHTERS broke down a door to rescue a man after a fire broke out at in the kitchen of a Hereford flat.

Emergency services – including three fire engines from Hereford, two ambulances and a paramedic area support officer – were called to Springfield Avenue in Hunderton at around 3.45am on Sunday.

A man, believed to be in his early 30s, was rescued from the flat after fire crews broke down the door. He was taken to hospital as a precaution but was not believed to have been injured.

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said a woman in her 40s, who lived in a flat above, was also taken to hospital.

Initial findings suggest that the fire started in the kitchen and was caused by cooking.

Firefighters used two breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet and positive pressure ventilation to clear the smoke.

Following the blaze, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) is asking people to make sure that their smoke alarms are up to date, in the right place, and tested every week.

Station Commander Stuart Crebbin said: “A smoke alarm can give someone the few vital extra seconds they need to escape in a fire therefore it is so important that they are kept in working order.

“For most of us, there is nothing more important than keeping our loved ones safe and secure.

"If you have a family friend, or a relative that would benefit from a free Home Fire Safety Check then give us a call on 0800 032 1155 quoting reference NEWS to see if they would qualify for a check”.

Police were also made aware but were not required at the incident.