AN ELDERLY couple had a lucky escape after their tumble dryer caught fire.

Harold and Christine Harvey of Stag’s Head, near Tregaron, were left with severe smoke damage in a utility room where the Indesit dryer was kept.

Their daughter Lorraine Bourne has warned people to ensure their appliances are safe.

While the fire was contained in the room and died out by itself, Lorraine said things could have been much worse if the fire had taken hold.

She said: “Luckily it was in an enclosed space so the fire put itself out, but it’s damaged the washing machine as well which was next to the dryer. The washing machine is all melted.

“There was fire damage and a lot of black smoke which has affected the house.

“The whole room is fire-damaged. There is a lot of soot and smoke damage and some of it has managed to get into the bathroom.

“My father is 83 and not the best on his feet, so if it had taken hold it could have been a lot worse.”

While Lorraine’s parents were lucky, she said it was important for people to be aware of fire risks.

A Hotpoint spokesperson said: “The safety of consumers is our number one priority and we thoroughly investigate all incidents as soon as they are reported to us. However, you will appreciate, we are unable to comment on individual cases."

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