By Julie Morgan

Last updated at 09:40, Saturday, 07 April 2012

A warning over the potential hazards of tumble dryers has been issued following a house fire.

Mill Hill, Cleator Moor

It is likely a dryer caused a kitchen blaze at Mill Hill, Cleator Moor.

One man in the house suffered smoke inhalation, but wasn’t taken to hospital.

Two appliances from Whitehaven were called to the fire at Mill Hill on Wednesday at 8pm. It is believed the tumble dryer caught fire spreading to a nearby boiler and cupboard.

One hose reel and four breathing apparatus were used at the scene.

A thermal image camera was also used to check for potential ‘hot spots’.

The blaze was the latest in a “spate’’ of domestic fires believed to have caused by tumble dryers.

Whitehaven watch manager Mark Smith, who attended the Mill Hill scene, said he had recently been called to several fires believed to have been started by dryers.

“Tumble dryers are a common cause of domestic fires which is why we advise people not to leave them running overnight or while they are out of the house,’’ he explained.

The appliances become hot very quickly, which can be exacerbated by clothing left on top of the machine.

“We advise tumble dryers are regularly checked,’’ watch manager Smith said.

The crew returned to Whitehaven station at 8.50pm.

First published at 08:58, Saturday, 07 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk