Fire service warning after residents try to tackle tumble dryer blaze

Three people were taken to hospital yesterday evening after a basement fire in St Helier – prompting a warning from firefighters about the dangers of Islanders trying to fight fires without professional help.

Emergency crews were called to the property shortly after 6pm on Tuesday following a 999 call.

The occupants had already escaped the property after being alerted by a smoke alarm, but one resident had attempted to tackle the fire before firefighters arrived, Jersey Fire and Rescue said.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the blaze and cleared smoke from the affected basement and a neighbouring property, which had also been affected by smoke travel.

The three residents were taken to hospital as a precaution due to possible smoke inhalation.

Firefighters said they believed the fire to have originated “within the electrical components of a tumble dryer that was in operation at the time of the incident”.

Watch Commander Richard Ryan said the incident highlighted how quickly a domestic fire could become dangerous and that he would “strongly discourage members of the public from attempting to tackle fires themselves”.

“Fires can develop rapidly, and smoke can become life-threatening within minutes,” he said.

“If a fire occurs, leave the property immediately, ensure everyone is accounted for, close doors where possible on your way out to help contain the fire, and call the emergency services.”