Crews issue advice after washing machine fire
Crews have urged residents to register their appliances after a washing machine caught fire in Southend.
We were called to a first floor flat in Jones Close yesterday (Tuesday 24 June) at 12.54pm.
As the building is a high rise, five crews, from Southend, Leigh, Shoebury, Rayleigh Weir and Hawkwell, attended.
Watch Manager Marc Kyprianou said: "When the occupant smelt smoke in his kitchen he did the right thing in getting out and calling 999.
"Thankfully the damage was limited to the washing machine and crews were quickly able to isolate it and make it safe, using a thermal imaging camera to make sure the fire had not spread.
"Crews found the fire was caused by an electrical fault in the washing machine's plug."
Crews left the scene by 2.23pm.
Whether they are new or second hand, you can keep up to date with safety advice and recalls by registering your household appliances at registermyappliance.org.uk.
Have you registered your appliances?
You can register your appliances online to be made aware of any safety recalls.
You can register a range of appliances big and small and they do not have to be new. If you have a second hand appliance, you can register it online if it is under 12 years old. You do not need proof of purchase either.
Registermyappliance.org.uk provides free and easy access to 60 leading brands sold in the UK.
There are hundreds of fires in Essex believed to be caused by faulty appliances every year. The most common causes are ovens, toasters, tumble dryers, washing machines and fridges - appliances that many of us use everyday.
