THE fire service has issued safety advice for tumble dryers following a property fire in Pembroke over the weekend.

Two appliances from Pembroke Dock attended the incident in Poyers Avenue at 5.55pm on Sunday evening (October 18).

Firefighters used a thermal imaging camera to extinguish the flames, and left the scene secure at 6.10pm.

Deputy Head of Community Safety, Steve Davies has issued the following safety message:

• Ensure you have working smoke alarms in your home

• Check electrical items/plugs for any signs of damage or wear and tear that may render them unsafe

• Ensure that they regularly clean the lint from the vent pipe and filter in their tumble dryer

• Use domestic appliances such as a tumble dryer/washing machine/dishwasher when they are present and never leave them on when going out or going to bed

• Avoid overloading extension leads, usually restricted to a 13amp maximum.

If in doubt, refer to the Electrical Safety Council Website Socket Overload Calculator (www.esc.org.uk), in order to find out what items can be safely used in the same extension lead.

Mr Davies said: "A microwave and tumble dryer plugged into the same extension lead would result in dangerous overloading."