Torbay: Fires Started By Home Appliances

12 July 2013, 11:10 | Updated: 12 July 2013, 11:12

Fire crews in Torbay were called to three fires within six days which all started in faulty electrical appliances.

At least one of the appliances, a dishwasher, appears on the manufacturer's recall list. 

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service is urging people to check the electrical appliances in their homes against the product recall lists on the following websites before a faulty appliance causes another fire: 

The Electrical Safety Council: 

Recall:  

Station Manager Darren Peters said: "Often manufacturers have tried to recall faulty products, but recalls typically have limited success with an average of only 10-20% of products returned. 

"This means that there are potentially millions of faulty products in British homes." 

Crews attended: 

  1. A washing machine fire in Upton Road, Torquay, on 28 June, 
  2. A dishwasher fire in Higher Rydons, Brixham, on 3 July, 
  3. A dishwasher fire in Rosemary Gardens, Paignton, on 4 July. 

The make of dishwasher in the Brixham incident was on the manufacturer's recall list, with a risk of overheating and fire. 

Advice on fitting and checking smoke alarms can be found on the Service's website: CLICK HERE