Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Portscatho, St Mawes at 28/03/2018 14:01

Cornwall Fire and Rescue service received a call from a member of the public reporting a fire at a property in Portscatho, St Mawes. One pump from St Mawes, one pump from Truro and one from St Austell Community Fire Station were immediately mobilised by Fire Control along with a whole time officer.

On arrival the officer in charge confirmed a tumble dryer fire within the downstairs utilities area with smoke issuing from the property. Crews extinguished the fire using four breathing apparatus, two hose reel jet, one safety jet, and two thermal imaging cameras.

The incident was left safe and in the hands of the occupants.

Tumble dryers and washing machines contain powerful motors with fast moving parts that get very hot. If you do not clean and maintain your machine, excess fluff or lint can build up over time and catch fire.

Remember to:
• Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using your dryer
• Never leave your appliance unattended or running overnight
• Never overload your washing machine or dryer or put items in that have been used to soak up flammable liquids
• Keep your dryer well ventilated ensuring the vent pipe is kink free, not blocked or crushed in any way
• Clean the filter in your dryer after every use
• Have your dryer serviced regularly by a qualified engineer
• Don't ignore the warning signs
• Does your tumble dryer smell of burning?
• Are your clothes taking longer to dry?
• Do the clothes feel hotter at the end of the cycle?
• Does the external vent flap stay shut when the dryer is on?
• If you notice any of the above, clean the filter and check the vent pipe immediately.

For more information visit our website which also has information on product recalls:

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