6 August 2012 Last updated at 07:11 ET

Underpants in microwave caused Weymouth fire

A man who tried to dry his underpants and socks in the microwave accidentally set fire to his flat, the fire service has said.

The blaze was spotted at the second floor flat on Market Street in Weymouth at about 22:45 BST on Sunday.

The man was led to safety by other people living in the block of flats.

A spokeswoman for Dorset Fire Service said the man had been trying to dry two pairs of underpants and two pairs of socks.

"The fire safety message here is to never put clothing of any kind in the microwave or an oven to attempt to dry them," she said.