Firefighters are urging people to use tumble dryers safely after a major blaze damaged a home.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service was called to a property in Menai Bridge, Anglesey, on Wednesday evening, where the fire had spread from the garage into the conservatory and the main property, as well as to the garage of the next door property.
The fire is thought to have been caused by a fault in the tumble dryer, and the crew has issued safety advice for people using them, including keeping the machine ventilated and not ignoring warning signals.
The fire spread through the conservatory, into the main property and also to next door's garage
How to prevent tumble dryer fires
The fire service's tips include:Don't overload plug sockets - the 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
Don't leave appliances unattended – don't 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 to complete fully before emptying - 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
Make sure you have working smoke alarms - test them regularly, once a week is recommended
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgm130py1rzo
