The fire safety chief for Brighton and Hove has urged people to check their tumble dryers and find out whether they’ve been recalled.
Andy Reynolds, from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, appeared on the television programme This Morning to talk about the issue.
The fire service said: “In East Sussex since April 2009 we have attended 110 fires involving tumble dryers, while nationally there have been a larger number, with one incident just recently resulting in a fatality in the West Midlands.”
Mr Reynolds, the director of prevention and protection in East Sussex, said: “I would encourage everyone to register any household appliances they have bought in the last 12 years at www.registermyappliance.org.uk to ensure the manufacturer can contact you if a safety repair is needed.
“It’s also worth checking out this link www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk. The website contains a list of electrical products that currently have a recall notice on them. These links can also be accessed by our website.”
Product recalls have been issued by Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda for tumble dryers. All three brands are owned by parent company Whirlpool.
There was a report yesterday (Monday 15 February) of a Hotpoint washing machine exploding in Plymouth and destroying a family’s kitchen.
Clothes are much more pleasant, and last longer, if dried naturally. And our Earth will last longer.