Firefighters are urging residents to ensure their fire alarms are working after a close call in Ash, this morning.

Two appliances from Deal attended a fire involving a washing machine in Chequer Lane, at 10.37am.

The homeowners were alerted to the smoking appliance after their fire alarms sounded.

A spokesman said: “There was a small electrical problem with the machine.

“It was smoking. We removed it and put it outside.

“This is a good time to remind people to make sure they have fire alarms and that they are working.”

Call 0800 923 7000 for fire advice.