Call to switch off appliances and help avoid more white goods fires

Scotland experienced a white goods fire almost every day in 2019.

Now residents in Rutherglen and Cambuslang are being urged to switch off appliances after it was revealed that the country experienced a white goods fire almost every day last year.

A total of 348 fires occurred in Scottish homes over the 12-month period – with the majority resulting from washing machines and tumble dryers.

In all, the country suffered 138 fires caused by tumble dryers, 122 from washing machines, 48 from fridge / freezers and 32 stemming from dishwashers.

Eight fires resulted from washer/dryer appliances.

The stark figure is an increase of 21 on 2018’s total.

Assistant Chief Officer Ross Haggart is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s director of prevention and protection.

He said: “These new figures show that house fires involving white goods are happening almost every day in Scotland.

“The risk of fire from white goods is one faced by many of us.

“And, while the consequences of fire in the home can be utterly devastating, there are simple, but effective steps you can take to significantly reduce risk.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is committed to working towards reducing instances of electrical fires and works alongside the Scottish Government, Safer Communities, Trading Standards Scotland, Electrical Safety First, the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), SELECT and COSLA.

ACO Haggart continued: “As partners, we all have a common aim – to reduce the number and impact of electrical fires.

“People can help us do so by not having appliances such as dishwashers, tumble dryers and washing machines running when they out of the house or sleeping.

“I would also urge people to register their appliances to receive emergency recall notices from manufacturers.

“It’s worth keeping your eyes on product recall information through safety group Electrical Safety First.

“When you are looking for an electrician to work in your home use the Electrical Safety First website to find local competent electricians who are registered members of one of the government approved schemes.”