A mum in East Lothian has been left shaken up after clothes in her tumble dryer caught fire while her two dogs were in the house.
Jennifer Reynolds. 48, was at home on Sunday afternoon when she smelt a 'putrid' burning smell and knew something wasn’t right.
The mum realised the smell was coming from her spare room where the tumble dryer was, and saw the contents were alight and called a pal to help.
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The incident took place on April 23. Her friend Gary threw the clothes out the window while on fire they then landed on the washing line below which also went up in flames they had to call 999.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live Jennifer said: "Thankfully I was in the house today when the clothes inside caught fire. My dryer is upstairs so not immediately apparent what was happening but I could smell a burning, melting, putrid smell… I knew something was wrong.
"I ran down to Winnie my food truck and grabbed a fire extinguisher and phoned Gary Archibald who grabbed his cape, as he does and bolted along.
"When he opened the dryer the clothes were alight. He threw them out the window, which then set fire to my washing that was hanging out. It was absolute chaos!"
She continued: "It was then it was obvious we needed help. I dialled 999 and was told by them later that if Gary hadn’t done what he had done and if I hadn’t called them when I did the whole house would be ablaze.
Thankfully the damage is contained to the spare room and we have both been checked over by the ambulance service and are fine but I’m just in shock."
The mum also added: "Huge kudos to Gary, Musselburgh and Newcraighall Fire Brigade and the lovely girls from Ambulance Service and if you have a tumble dryer I beg you please, please never leave it on when you’re out or in bed."
Dozens of friends were shocked by the incident but glad Jennifer was safe.
Theresa Clifford said: "I'm glad to hear you're ok. Lucky you were home when It happened it could have been much worse."
Andrew Sarah Fairgrieve said: "Hope your ok Jen. This is my fear with tumble dryers."
While Linda Irvine added: "Omg how scary. It’s not worth thinking about what could have happened. Thank god you are all ok."
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The Scottish Fire Service has guidance on their website which reads: "One of the most common causes of fires in the home is the misuse of electrical equipment, faulty appliances and leads.
"Domestic appliances including dishwashers, tumble driers, cooking appliances and washing machines are a common source of ignition."
Follow the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service safety advice:
- Keep the area around plug sockets and the mains switch clear
- Always use the right fuses
You should never:
- Use anything with a torn or damaged wire or plug
- Use anything electric that’s broken or not working properly
- Put electric cables under carpets
- Put too many plugs in sockets
You can find out more about how to prevent fires here.
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