Innocuous fluff and debris left in tumble dryer filters could put you and your family at serious risk, the fire service has warned.

It comes after firefighters were called to a home in Lincoln Road, Maidstone this afternoon.

A resident was in her kitchen making lunch when she noticed smoke coming out of the tumble dryer.

When she pulled the machine out she was confronted with flames and thick smoke.

Two fire engines were sent after receiving a call at 12.48pm and the first found the dryer well alight when they arrived six minutes later.

The dryer, which was in use at the time, is believed to have developed a fault.

It also appears that there was a large build up of fluff and debris in the filter of the dryer, which may have caused it to overheat.

Watch Manager Mark Brown said: “The occupants luckily escaped injury by getting out of the building as soon as they discovered the fire.

“Tumble dryers tend to be used a lot more during the winter months, but as this incident shows, faults can develop in domestic appliances without prior warning, so we strongly advise that they are not left running while you are out, or put on overnight.

“We also advise that you make it part of your routine to clean out the filter every time you use your dryer to help prevent a fire.

“Please ensure you have a working smoke alarm fitting on each floor of your home to provide early warning if the unexpected happens.”