Residents urged to be careful with high-powered devices after fire caused by tumble-dryer

Fire crews from Eccleshall, Stafford and Stone were called to the fire at a house on The Crescent in Eccleshall at around 6.30am today, with residents urged to keep windows and doors closed while firefighters tackled the blaze.

The fire was found to have started in a utility room in an outhouse connected to the house.

It was later established it had started accidentally and been caused by a tumble-dryer.

A spokesman for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue said: "Multiple crews went to a home on The Crescent just before 6.30am today after a fire started in a utility room located in an outhouse connected to the property.

"Firefighters made sure everyone was accounted for and no-one was injured.

"Following an inspection, the cause of the fire was later deemed to be accidental and caused by a tumble-dryer."

Station manager Ben Woodward urged residents to be careful with tumble-dryers and other high-powered devices.

He said: “We would like to remind residents to ensure they use tumble-dryers safely and have working smoke alarms.

“Do not leave appliances unattended, especially high-powered devices like tumble-dryers, and don’t leave them on overnight.

“Overloaded sockets and faulty electrical appliances cause more than 7,000 house fires in Staffordshire every year.

"We urge residents to ensure they are aware of the risks associated with electrical appliances and make sure they adhere to the guidelines.

“It is always best practice to ensure your electrics have a British or European safety mark and to ensure plug sockets or extension leads are not overloaded.

“High-powered machines, such as tumble-dryers, should be kept to a single socket to avoid overheating, and they should not be left unattended.

“Also, remember to clean the filter of your tumble-dryer on a regular basis.”