Fire crews were called to a house in Rainham today after a tumble dryer caught fire.

Two pumps from Medway Fire Station went to Pembury Way at 12.40pm to find thick smoke coming out of the garage of the property.

A crew member at the station said: “There was thick, acrid smoke billowing out of the garage, which was attacked to the house.

“Two guys in breathing appartus tackled the fire and it took about half an hour to sort the scene out.â€

The station has warned people not to leave white goods such as tumble dryers unattended.

The firefighter said: “This fire was caused by an electrical fault and although the lady was in the house she had left the tumble on while she was not in the garage.

“We would warn people not to leave appliances unattended.

“Machines such as tumble driers are designed to heat up, so you should certainly never go out and leave them unattended while they’re on.â€