LGA calls for a recall of faulty tumble dryers

The Local Government Association (LGA) has called for a recall of faulty tumble dryers, which it claims pose a large fire risk.

The LGA represents 48 fire and rescue authorities across England and Wales and has warned that excess fluff contacting heating elements in tumble dryers is leading to thousands of fires a year.

Government statistics show that there were 2,190 fires caused by tumble dryers between 2012 and 2014, which equates to three a day.

The LGA has criticised manufacturers for running lengthy repair programmes on these potentially dangerous machines and is calling for a recall of all affected machines.

Jeremy Hilton, chair of the LGA's Fire Services Management Committee, said: "People using faulty tumble dryers are unwittingly playing Russian roulette and leading manufacturers need to recall affected models as soon as possible to protect their customers.

"Firefighters are attending tumble dryer fires three times a day, which is alarming. These defective products are endangering lives, causing thousands of pounds of damage to homes and making people homeless.

"People's safety must be the priority. It's been months since some manufacturers issued safety warnings over their tumble dryers but they need to be recalled as these appliances are still causing fires - until they do so, consumers continue to risk falling victim to a devastating and tragic house fire.”