Dishwasher fire - no working smoke alarms

Firefighters have given advice not to use appliances like dishwashers and washing machines overnight or while out of the house after they rescued a cat following a dishwasher fire in Ashingdon.

On arrival, crews reported that a three storey house was heavily smoke logged and found a fire surrounding a dishwasher in the kitchen.

Crews extinguished the fire by 11:23am and rescued a cat while ventilating the property. The cat was left in the care of a vet.

While at the address, firefighters fitted three smoke alarms as the resident had no working smoke alarms.

Crews believe the fire was caused by an electrical fault with the dishwasher.

Watch Manager Dan Evison from Southend Fire said: “Please do not leave any appliances like dishwashers, washing machines etc running overnight or if you’re going to leave the house. Electrical faults are surprisingly common and can cause fires.

“We’d also urge everybody to make sure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home to alert you to a fire. Test your smoke alarms at least once a month to make sure you and your family get an early warning sign to a fire in your home.”

Have you registered your appliances for news about safety repairs and product recalls?

You can register all of your domestic appliances, old and new, for FREE at www.registermyappliance.org.uk who will contact you in case of any safety repairs or product recalls on your appliances.

Have you got working smoke alarms?

We want every home in Essex to be provided with the excellent protection that smoke alarms offer. Smoke alarms can alert you or a neighbour/passerby to a fire and give you a chance to escape your home safely.

To arrange your FREE fitting, call 0300 303 0088 or visit essex-fire.gov.uk/book.