8 December 2009

Two people escaped to safety after a fire broke out in a house in High Wycombe this afternoon. It is believed to have started in a tumble dryer.

Two crews from High Wycombe were called to the semi-detached property in Bookerhill Road at 2.25pm. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the blaze after entering the house through the front and back doors.

Watch Manager Andy Ward from High Wycombe Fire Station said: "The fire started in the kitchen and developed very quickly. Although the adjoining property was affected by smoke we managed to prevent the fire from spreading to it."

Volunteers from the British Red Cross were called in to look after the occupants in their Fire & Emergency Support Service vehicle based at Marlow Fire Station.

Firefighters used four sets of breathing apparatus and two hose reels to put out the fire, and a ventilation fan to clear the smoke from both houses.

Firefighters carried out a safety check in the adjoining house and fitted smoke alarms. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service carries out these checks free of charge - ring 01296 744477, email cs@bucksfire.gov.uk or fill in the online form at www.bucksfire.gov.uk/bucksfire/free to book one.

Community safety manager Terry Ridgley said: "There are fire risks associated with tumble dryers, which can be minimised by following some simple advice. These tips will help reduce your chances of suffering this sort of fire.”

• Remove the lint from the trap after every load of clothes dried.
  
  
• Do not cover the vent or any other opening.
  
  
• Ensure the vent pipe is free of kinks and is not crushed in any way.
  
  
• Only used recommended vent pipes, and not improvised ones.
  
  
• Only vent the warm air to the outside of a building.
  
  
• Do not put rags or materials into your tumble dryer if they have been used to soak up flammable liquids.

Tell-tale signs that your tumble dryer is not properly ventilated

• Clothes take a very long time to dry, especially heavy articles of clothing such as towels or jeans.
  
  
• Clothes feel hotter than usual at the end of the cycle.
  
  
• The flapper on the vent hood remains closed when the dryer is on.

General safety

• Don’t leave your tumble dryer, washing machine or dishwasher running overnight or while you are out. They are a fire risk because of their high wattage, friction and motors.