Smoke alarms alert resident to tumble dryer fire

Firefighters are highlighting the importance of having working smoke alarms after a woman was alerted to a tumble dryer fire in Braintree.

Crews were called to a house fire in Deal Close at 10:04am after the resident heard her smoke alarms going off, got out of the house and called us.

On arrival, firefighters reported that the kitchen was heavily smoke-logged from a tumble dryer fire.

Firefighters extinguished the fire by 10:31am.

The cause of the fire was accidental and believed to be a fault within the tumble dryer.

Watch Manager Gary Shinn from Hawkwell Fire Station said: “Please make sure you have working smoke alarms at home, at least one on every level of your home.

"The resident was able to safely escape this fire when she heard her smoke alarms going off. If you or someone you know hasn't got working smoke alarms, please click here or call our team on 0300 303 0088 and we can fit them for free.

“The fire was contained to the kitchen after the resident had closed the kitchen door on her way out of the house when she heard the smoke alarms. This prevented the fire and smoke spreading throughout the house. We recommend you keep doors closed generally to prevent fires spreading if they do start. If it is safe to do so when escaping the house, shutting doors can help to contain fires and smoke.”