FIREFIGHTERS are warning residents not to use hairdryers to warm or dry clothing after one set bedding alight in South Ockendon.

Crews were called to a home in South Road, South Ockendon when residents heard a smoke alarm going off.

On arrival, crews reported that the house was heavily smoke logged and there was a fire in a bedroom.

Firefighters believe a hairdryer had caught bedding alight.

The residents were rendered homeless due to the smoke damage to the house.

Watch Manager Gary Bannister from Grays Fire Station said: "We do not recommend you use a hairdryer to warm or dry any clothing. They can catch material alight if it gets too close and they also take a long time to cool down and could catch material alight if you put the dryer down while it's still hot."