A DOG in an empty house sparked an emergency after it somehow started a microwave and caused a kitchen blaze.

Firefighters dashed to the house in Stanford-le-Hope this afternoon (Monday, 2 December) after being alerted to the blaze by the homeowner, who spotted the fire on a video link to his mobile phone.

Despite being positioned on the worktop, the husky inadvertently turned on the appliance while alone within the kitchen. A packet of bread rolls within the microwave began to burn, causing a small fire.

Geoff Wheal, Watch Manager at Corringham Fire Station, said: "Clearly this is a very strange incident involving the man's dog, but it could still have been more serious.

"When we arrived, the kitchen was filled with smoke. Firefighters ensured that the damage did not spread beyond the kitchen area - but it demonstrates that microwaves shouldn't be used to store food when they aren't in use.

"Our advice is to always keep your microwave clean and free of clutter or food and any packaging. Animals or children can turn them on more easily than you might think - so please don't run the risk."

The dog was unharmed.