A mum and step-mum of four narrowly escaped disaster after a wales/wales/tumble/”>tumble/”>tumble dryer caught fire – all thanks to a smoke detector alerting her just in time.
Flames Rage But Quick-Thinking Liz Escapes
Liz McConnell was at home alone on Markland Road, Dover, when she spotted smoke and flames pouring from her tumble dryer. With her husband and kids out, Liz acted fast. She grabbed her phone, dialled 999, and made a swift exit from the house as the fire blazed out of control.
“Had the smoke alarm not gone off, I dread to think what could’ve happened,” Liz said. “The fire spread quickly—I saw the flames grow even from outside.”
Huge Fire Response & Lifesaving Volunteers
kent-Englandengland/”>Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) scrambled 13 fire engines, a height vehicle, and a Bulkbulk Waterwater carrier to tackle the seven-hour blaze after Liz’s 8.40am emergency call on 11 September.
Firefighters battled the inferno with powerful jets, while Liz, her family, and neighbours received support from KFRS’ Volunteer Response Team (VRT).
“The volunteers were amazing and reminded us the most important thing was we were alive and unhurt,” Liz said. “When we rebuild, every room will have a smoke alarm. They definitely saved my life that day.”
Fire Chief Urges Everyone: Check Your Smoke Alarms!
KFRS Group Manager Dan Noonan, who led the emergency, praised the working smoke detectors that gave Liz her crucial warning.
“Smoke alarms should be on every floor of your home. Check them weekly and keep an Eyeeye on expiry dates. They’re lifesavers,” he said.
Stay Safe: Maintain Your Appliances
The incident also flags up the danger of faulty white goods like tumble dryers and dishwashers. Experts advise regular maintenance, following manufacturer instructions, and registering products online to receive urgent recall alerts if needed.
Ben McConnell, Liz’s husband, said: “We religiously checked the dryer lint because it’s a known fire hazard. It was crucial Liz was awake at the time — if we’d been asleep or out, things could’ve ended very badly.”
