House ripped apart in tumble dryer inferno as charred wreckage pictured

A house has been ripped apart by an inferno caused by a tumble dryer.

Fire chiefs have issued a stark warning over the devices after severe damage was inflicted on the property in Gwynedd, Wales. Crews were called to the blaze on Thursday, April 9, marking the second tumble dryer-related blaze in the town within just 24 hours.

An investigation is underway to determine if the two incidents are linked. Shocking images show the extent of the damage caused to the property, with its structures left smoldering and the tumble dryer destroyed.

As reported in Wales Online, the intense fire resulted in "severe damage" to the property, with two occupants needing hospital checks as a precaution. Earlier that day at 2.06 am, crews responded to another tumble dryer fire in an outbuilding in Caernarfon.

This follows previous incidents in Broughton on March 25, which affected two homes, and fires in Denbigh on March 6, Buckley on March 3, and Ruthin on February 28.

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.”

He urged residents to adopt simple safety measures when using tumble dryers to reduce the risk of fire. These precautions 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 emphasised the importance of having a functioning smoke alarm and regularly testing it, recommending a weekly check. Urging residents to prioritise safety.

He said: "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."

He added: "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."

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.