A TUMBLE dryer burst into flames at a flat in St Clement's yesterday.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to Alan Bullock Close after reports a laundry room was ablaze just before 10.30pm.

Smoke rising from a basement laundry room of the two-storey student accommodation block was spotted by firefighters from Slade Fire Station and Kidlington Fire Station at the scene.

But firefighters managed to extinguish the flames and contain the fire before it spread to other parts of the building.

Incident commander station manager Paul Webster said: "The cause of the fire is not thought to be suspicious.

"Tumble dryers have powerful motors with fast moving parts which get very hot.

"With the recent wet weather it is likely that the increased use to dry clothes has had an effect.

"It is important filters are regularly checked and cleaned to ensure they do not become blocked.

"A build up of fluff and lint inside the machine is a fire risk. Machines should not be overloaded with clothes and the manufacturer's instructions should be followed including on how to maintain the machine."

The fire service warned the blaze could have been more intense and may have swept across the building if a working smoke alarm had not alerted residents in the building.