A family dog saved the life of its owners after alerting them to a fire caused by a cigarette butt in the early hours of this morning.

Smoke had started to seep into the property in Canterbury Road in Margate after a fire from a wheelie bin spread to the house.

The pooch started to bark before the smoke had reached the fire alarm and the owners were able to get out of the property.

Firefighters arrived around 3.25am and put out the blaze.

It is believed the fire was caused accidentally by discarded cigarette butts, which were still hot and set fire to the bin.

The flames spread to a second bin and then to an electrical box on the side of the house.

Jon Quinn, KFRS' assistant director for customer safety and engagement, says cigarettes can very quickly start a fire due to the tobacco burning at a very high temperature, designed to keep it lit.

"If you do smoke, don't leave cigarettes, cigars or pipes unattended when lit, and when you put it out, make sure it is completely out," he said.

"Always make sure to dispose of your cigarettes carefully and don't place hot items in a bin.

"Only use a proper, heavy ashtray that can't easily tip over and is made of a material that won't burn.

"It's a good idea to put ashtrays outside before you go to bed, or when you go out.

"Another tip is to avoid storing wheelie bins near windows and doors, as any fire in the bin could easily spread to your property."

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