North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is reiterating an appeal for residents to ensure they use tumble dryers safely and have working smoke alarms fitted after another two fires involving tumble dryers in a 24 hour period.

Crews were called to a fire involving a tumble dryer in an outhouse in Caernarfon at 2:06 yesterday morning (9th April) and then to a fire involving a tumble dryer in Mynytho yesterday afternoon at 16:51.

Severe damage was caused to the house in Mynytho, where two of the residents also required precautionary checks at the hospital following the fire.

This follows on from a fire in Broughton which damaged two properties on the 25th March, a fire in in Denbigh on the 6th of March, in Buckley on the 3rd of March and in Ruthin on the 28th of February.

They all involved tumble dryers.

Paul Kay, Head of Fire Safety for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “A fire can be devastating for all involved - causing damage and disruption and in the worst cases, loss of life.

“We’re appealing to residents to follow some simple steps we should all be taking when using our tumble dryers to help everyone stay safe.”

These steps 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, including the 'cool down cycle', to complete fully before emptying the machine. 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.
  
  Paul added: “Most importantly of all – make sure you have a working smoke alarm and test it regularly – we recommend once a week.

“You should also ensure you have an escape plan for you and your family should a fire occur – and once you're out of the house, you should always stay out, and never go back in.

"No trend had been identified as yet with make / models - the most important thing is for all residents to follow our safety advice when using all tumble dryers.

"We're undertaking an internal review of all incidents to better understand if there is any correlation."