Warning after Lancashire tumble dryer fires

Whirlpool, manufacturer of Creda, Hotpoint, Indesit, Proline and Swan tumble dryers, said more than five million of their machines sold between 2004 and September 2015 could be dangerous as they allow lint to build up against the heating element.

During that time, there have been 395 tumble dryer fires in Lancashire, including 29 in the Preston area, 41 in South Ribble and 25 across Chorley. There were also 28 in Lancaster, 12 in Morecambe and three in both Garstang and Tarleton.

Earlier this month, a Morecambe family had a lucky escape after their tumble dryer burst into flames while they were asleep.

The family had no working smoke alarm, so were unaware of the fire until it had taken hold.

Four fire engines and an aerial ladder platform from Preston were needed to tackle the blaze at the three storey property in Queen Street.

In March, firefighters were forced to issue an urgent warning about the danger of fluff in tumble driers after two people needed treatment following a house blaze in Preston.

Occupants of the property in Mitton Drive had to be given oxygen after the emergency call-out.

In April, fire crews from Garstang and Blackpool were needed to tackle a tumble dryer fire at a house in Barrows Lane East at Great Eccleston.

One occupant needed treatment after breathing in smoke.

John Taylor of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The figures speak for themselves. There can be dreadful consequences, so users have to take simple precautions.

“The first is registering your purchase with the manufacturer so that they can get in touch with you with safety warnings and recalls. We can send out information and the media help, but there’s nothing quite like the personal approach.

“The second thing is follow instructions. Reading the bumf that comes with the machine can be quite critical to safety.

“You need to clean out the drawer or compartment where the fibres from fabric build up. If this isn’t done, it can build up and ignite. It’s a simple job.

“Also, we advise people not to use their washing machines or driers when they go out or go to bed. The temptation is there, but you’re not going to be alert to things like smoke or be able to switch the machine off. These fires can be life-threatening. A few years ago a couple had to climb on the roof of their extension to escape a tumble dryer fire. They were extremely lucky.”

Last June, research by consumer group Which? showed tumble dryers were the second biggest cause of house fires, accounting for 12 per cent behind washing machines on 14 per cent.

Electrical Safety First recently reported that almost 50 deaths each year are attributable to electrical fires, and faulty electrical appliances caused £41.6m of damage in the UK every year.

In 2010, a family lost all their possessions in less than 20 minutes after a blaze sparked by a faulty tumble dryer wrecked their home.

Anthony Oldham had left the appliance on when he nipped out to take his daughters to school. Around 15 minutes later a neighbour called on his mobile to say Mr Oldham’s detached house in Tunstall Drive, Altham, was engulfed in flames.

Mr Taylor added: “Anything with a heating element is always going to have the potential for fire. They have to be maintained and if they’re no longer serviceable, they need to be removed. Don’t take risks.” The highest number of tumble dryer fires in one year was in 2004, when there were 47 across the county.