An excitable Staffordshire bull terrier puppy almost set himself and his owner’s home alight by turning on the cooker.

A Deal fire crew was called to the house at Church Street, Walmer at 4.55pm on Monday after a smoke alarm alerted them to the incident.

Crew manager Dave Potter said the owners had gone out and placed a plastic bin on top of the hob to stop the pup from rummaging inside for scraps of food while they were out.

But when they left, the dog jumped up at the oven and turned it on.

The bin melted over the hob and work surface and smoke-logged the house throughout.

“Although the puppy inhaled some smoke, it was unharmed with just a slightly singed tail,” he said.

“We would advise people not to put things on top of hobs and to make sure they have a smoke alarm.

To book a free home fire safety check, please phone 0800 923 7000.