Firefighters in Rickmansworth had to rush to extinguish a serious blaze - in their own fire station.

Rickmansworth firefighters were in South Oxhey on Saturday, advising residents on - ironically - fire safety after last night's incident in a terraced home.

At about 11am, a neighbour saw smoke coming from a fire station window and dialled 999, forcing the crews to charge back with sirens blazing.

Two wearing breathing apparatus managed to stop the fire spreading, but the kitchen, where flames had started in a dishwasher, was destroyed.

Station commander John Horastead said: "This demonstrates that these type of domestic incidents can happen to absolutely anyone.

"I am extremely proud of our crews who worked very hard to contain the fire.

"Unfortunately the kitchen has been destroyed, but the good work of our crews means the rest of the building can remain in use."