FIREMEN have warned people to check their appliances after being called to a smoking dishwasher.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called to a home in Nevill Road, Lewes, on Friday night following reports of the faulty dishwasher.

The machine had to be removed from the building for safety.

Now firefighters have renewed warnings to watch out for any telltale signs that dishwashers – and any other white goods – in their homes could be malfunctioning and get them checked immediately.

They said speedy action could avoid a damaging fire.

The service says there are several ways fires can start in a dishwasher, including a knife falling from the cutlery basket and becoming jammed between the water spray motor and heating element.

They stressed it is important to stay safe in the home and electrical safety checks are one way of doing this. Find out more by visiting the fire service’s safer homes pages online at www.esfrs.org.