Tumble dryer catches fire in home: safety advice

Firefighters have issued safety advice after a tumble dryer ignited in a home in Rochford.

Crews were called after two occupants of the home were alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm.

Fortunately, the fire hadn't developed significantly by the time the alarm sounded - allowing them to get out of the property safely and crews to extinguish the fire.

The fire was out by 10.30pm. The property itself suffered minor damage, but this could easily have been a more significant incident.

We believe the fire was caused accidentally after a build-up of fluff ignited in the tumble dyer. If you own or use a tumble dryer in your home, please follow our advice:

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
• Don’t use tumble dryers at night or while unattended
• Clean the filters after each use to ensure they do not become blocked with fluff
• Items should be removed from the dryer immediately after the cycle and shaken loose to assist cooling
• Ensure that the appliance has its own plug socket. Do not overload extension leads. Ensure that no more than 13 amps are in any one plug socket.

You can find more tumble dryer safety advice here. You can also register all of your domestic appliances for FREE at www.registermyappliance.org.uk who will contact you in case of any safety repairs or product recalls on your appliances.