A warning has been issued after a dishwasher caught alight in the early hours while those inside the property were asleep.

Three fire engines were sent to a home in Highsted Valley, Rodmersham, near Sittingbourne.

It is understood to have happened at around 1.20am today (May 18).

Using hose reel jets, the blaze was extinguished just over 45 minutes later and crews left the scene at 2.15am.

There were no reported injuries, and the cause is believed to have started after the dishwasher caught alight whilst the occupants were asleep.

A fire service spokesperson added: “Following this incident, crews are reminding people to only run cycles when you’re home and awake, and always have a working smoke alarm on each floor of your property.”

It comes after crews were called out to a fire on the outside of a conservatory in Wrotham Road, Meopham, yesterday afternoon (May 17).

Two fire engines attended at around 5.30pm and by 5.50pm they had left the scene.

One person suffered minor smoke inhalation, and the cause is believed to be accidental and linked to smoking materials.