Warning to homeowners after fire rips through homes in tumble dryer blaze as firefighters issue SIX rules to follow

A fire safety head has issued a warning to homeowners after a blaze started in a tumble dryer tore through two homes.

Paul Kay, Head of Fire Safety for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, gave people six steps to follow to ensure the appliance is being used safely.

Severe damage was caused to two homes in Broughton, North Wales, on March 23 in the fourth inferno of this kind in a month for the area.

Emergency crews including up to 24 firefighters rushed to the scene and nobody was hurt in either of the linked properties. 

The reason for the fire beginning in the tumble dryer is not yet known. 

Mr Kay said: ‘A fire can be devastating for all involved – causing damage and disruption and, in the worst cases, loss of life.

‘We’re appealing to residents to follow some simple steps we should all be taking when using our tumble dryers to help everyone stay safe.’

The steps are:  

• Do not overload plug sockets: High wattage for a tumble dryer means that it needs its own 13-amp socket. Keep an eye out for any scorching or burn marks, including checking any visible electrical wires.
• Do not leave appliances unattended: Do not turn the tumble dryer on before you leave the house or go to bed. Tumble dryers contain powerful motors with fast moving parts that can get very hot.
• Keep your dryer well ventilated: Make sure the vent pipe is kink free and not blocked or crushed in any way.
• Always clean out the filter after using your tumble dryer.
• Always allow each drying programme, including the ‘cool down cycle’, to complete fully before emptying the machine. If you stop the machine mid cycle, the clothing will still be hot.
• Don’t ignore the warning signs – if you can smell burning or clothes feel hotter at the end of the cycle, stop using your appliance and have it checked out by a professional.

He added that ‘most importantly of all’ people should be sure to have a working smoke alarm which is checked once a week.

‘You should also ensure you have an escape plan for you and your family should a fire occur,’ he said, ‘and once you’re out of the house, you should always stay out, and never go back in.’

Firefighters in North Wales also attended fires involving tumble dryers on February 28, March 3 and March 6 in Ruthin, Buckley and Denbigh respectively.

The most recent tumble dryer fire was first noticed when occupants noticed smoking coming from their garage. It then spread into the roof space and across to next-door.