THREE fire engines from Douglas Fire Station were called to a kitchen fire in Cronk y Berry Avenue this afternoon.

A neighbour raised the alarm at 4pm after hearing a smoke alarm going off in the nearby property.

Initially the Emergency Services Joint Control Room believed the house was occupied therefore increased the number of fire appliances it sent to the scene.

Four firefighters in breathing apparatus forced entry to the house. On arrival they were faced with heavily smoke logged rooms throughout the property.

The crews searched the property for occupants – however it was found that no-one was at home except the family dog.

While unnerved by the event the dog was unharmed and was handed over to the owners of the property shortly after.

It is believed the fire was caused by an electric hob being accidently turned on when shopping was placed on the kitchen work surface – igniting the bags and the contents while the owner went out. Using a minimal amount of water the fire crews extinguished the blaze.

A spokesperson for Isle of Man Fire and Rescue said: "Without the working smoke alarm and the actions of the neighbour the fire service believe that the damage could easily have been so much worse."