ESSEX Firefighters have given safety advice for using tumble dryers after a tumble dryer caused a flat fire in the Moorfield area of Harlow on Saturday.

A spokesperson said: “We were called after a resident smelled smoke while using his tumble dryer. On arrival, two crews from Harlow found a tumble dryer on fire.

Crews worked to put the fire out and ventilate the flat.

Watch Manager Brenden Cardy from Harlow Fire Station said: “The resident did everything right while using the tumble dryer, they were at home while using it which meant as soon as they noticed signs of a fire – in this case smelling smoke – they called us and got out of the flat. They also had working smoke alarms and we cannot stress enough how important working smoke alarms are. If they’d been in another room, the smoke alarms would have alerted them to the fire.

“Our top tips for using tumble dryers safely would be to make sure you’re home and awake while using tumble dryers as electrical faults/overheating can happen.

And please make sure you have working smoke alarms in your home, if you haven’t got any then please get in touch with our team who can fit them for free. Search Essex Fire Book to get in touch.”

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Did you know you can register your appliances, old and new, for updates on any safety recalls through Register My Appliance?

Register My Appliance is a free scheme that you can sign up to and be the first to hear about known faults and recalls.

You can register appliances like fridges, washing machines and tumble dryers as well as smaller appliances. You can register old and new appliances – they can be up to 12 years old and you can register second hand appliances.

Registering your appliances is a quick and easy way to help keep your family safe. It only takes a few minutes to register. To register your appliances, visit:www.registermyappliance.org.uk/registration/.