Tumble dryer fire causes significant damage

On-call firefighters from Sible Hedingham and Wethersfield were called to a house in Sible Hedingham last night (Tuesday 29 November) after a man discovered a fire in his utility room. 

The homeowner had first been alerted to an issue when his electricity tripped. He reset the fuse board but it quickly tripped again so he decided to investigate further. 

It was at that point he noticed an orange glow coming from behind the door of the utility room, and upon opening it saw three-feet flames coming out the back of the tumble dryer. 

He initially attempted to tackle the fire with a fire extinguisher but realised it was too fierce so closed the door, went outside and called 999. 

On arrival, firefighters were faced with a heavy smoke-logged house and a well-developed fire in the utility room. They worked to extinguish the fire and then used fans to clear the smoke from the house.

Watch Manager Darren Hockley, Wethersfield Fire Station, said:

"The homeowner did the right thing by closing the doors, getting out and calling 999. If you ever discover a fire in your home this is exactly what you should do. 

"This incident raises a few more important safety points that are worth sharing with our public. 

"Firstly, it shows that when your electricity trips it's a warning to you. Don't ignore it. If you don't immediately find the reason for it then arrange for a qualified electrician to check if there is an issue, 

"Secondly, this house only had smoke alarms on the top floor. Although it did go off, the man may have been alerted earlier if there was one on the ground floor too. 

"And finally, it shows why it's so important that you run your appliances, such as dishwashers, tumble dryers and washing machines, while you're awake. If this man had been asleep in bed it may have taken longer for him to discover the fire. You're much more likely to be seriously injured or worse if a fire starts when you are asleep."

The whole house has suffered smoke damage and the utility room has suffered significant fire and smoke damage.