TWO people escaped injury when a dishwasher sparked a blaze at their Kidderminster home today.

Fire crews from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a house fire in Wannerton Road, in Blakedown, in the early hours of this morning (Friday, July 3).

Fire chiefs have hailed the effectiveness of smoke alarms, which allowed the occupants to flee the property in good time.

The two occupants managed to evacuate the building prior to the arrival of HWFRS and were checked over by the ambulance service at the scene. The crews used breathing apparatus sets to enter the building and a hose reel was used to extinguish the fire.

Rob Allen, station commander, said: "Thankfully, due to the working smoke alarms, the occupants were able to evacuate the building safely.

"Smoke alarms provide an early warning and can save lives so we urge people to fit a working smoke alarm on every level of their home and ensure they are tested on a weekly basis.

"The crews were quickly able to extinguish the fire which had been caused by a dishwasher that had been left on.

"We strongly advise the public to turn off all appliances before going to bed and ensure that they have an escape plan."