ONE person had to be taken to hospital on Sunday (Oct 11) after an electrical fire at a flat in Haverfordwest.
Fire crews from both Haverfordwest and Milford Haven stations attended the fire on Market Street, which happened shortly before 3pm.
Police were also in attendance and fire crews did not leave the scene until 6:25pm.
The fire, which was thought to have originated from a tumble dryer, was confined to a utility room.
Market Street was closed for a period during the incident.
Firefighters extinguished the fire using six breathing apparatus and one hose reel jet, and ventilated using a positive pressure ventilation fan.
Group Manager Karen Jones, Head of Community Safety for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “Whilst more of us will be using our tumble dryers to dry our laundry during the autumn and winter months, it is important that they are used and maintained correctly in order to reduce the risk of fire. If you do use a tumble dryer, please heed the following advice:
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the use and maintenance of the appliance and clean out the lint trap regularly.
• 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 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 warning signs – if you can smell burning or clothes feel hotter at the end of cycle, stop using your appliance and have it checked out by a competent person.
