Yesterday, Northern Territory Fire and Rescue crews responded to two calls for assistance involving pots being left on kitchen stoves.

Station Officer Peter van Boxtel said the first incident involved emergency services attending an address in Malak around 5:10pm.

“Neighbours alerted authorities to a smoke alarm that had been triggered by a pot being left on the stove. Luckily crews attended the residence before any damage was caused to the premises. No one was home at the time of the incident.

“The second incident occurred around 5:20pm. Emergency services attended a residence in The Gardens to find the premises filled with smoke and a 70-year-old male disorientated.

“The man was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital where he was treated for smoke inhalation. A pot fully engulfed in flames was extinguished.

“Since July, Fire and Rescue crews have responded to 14 incidents that involved cookware being left unattended. Luckily, in most of these incidents, working smoke alarms have alerted residents or neighbours and prevented further damage or worse, death.”

This is a friendly reminder to check your smoke alarm regularly, and to never leave cookware unattended.