A man and his dog escaped without injury after a tumble dryer burst into flames in the garage of their home in Rainham earlier this morning.

Firefighters were called out to Rycaut Close, off Long Catlis Road, at about 7am after the man smelt smoke and realised there was a fire in the outbuilding.

A crew from Chatham Fire Station were called out and spent about 40 minutes at the scene putting out the flames.

Firefighters think the fire was caused by an electrical fault in the machine.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The homeowner called us quite quickly after discovering the fire and we were able to get there before the flames spread.

“There was minimal damage to the building and the homeowner and his dog were waiting outside for us when we arrived.”