Family homeless after tumble dryer fire

A family whose home was badly damaged when their tumble drier caught fire say they will be "very lucky" to be back in a house in time for Christmas.

Jason Ebury, from Basingstoke, said the fire broke out on 23 November after a load of washing had been put in the drier.

The family escaped the property on Cleveland Close, Buckskin, unharmed but they are now living in a nearby hotel.

Sovereign Housing Association said it was continuing to support the family while the house was assessed and repaired.

Mr Ebury described how he was at work while his wife and children were getting ready to go out for the day and had put some washing on to get dried.

"They could smell smoke, then the smoke alarms had gone off, and very quickly flames were coming out from under the stairs," he said.

Mr Ebury said there was a desperate attempt to rescue one of the family's four dogs after it had panicked and ran upstairs in the house.

Fortunately firefighters were able to retrieve the pet.

Mr Ebury said there were two fire engines on the scene and it took fire fighters two hours to put out the fire.

There was fire, smoke and water damage throughout the home.

He said the family have been able to salvage important items including passports, as well as some clothing, but admitted "we haven't got any of the photos out".

The family has been supported by neighbours and friends, who have helped them with things like washing.

"We're just doing as best we can," Mr Ebury said.

Sovereign Housing Association said it was looking for alternative accommodation for the family as it assess the damage to the property.

"We've provided accommodation in local hotel as a temporary measure, as well as funding meals while they don't have access to a kitchen.

"We will continue to talk with them as we work as quickly as we can to provide suitable interim accommodation until the family can move home," it said.

Paul Scott, a prevention manager at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said incidents involving tumble driers were rare.

He has advised people to not overload plug sockets and to keep their driers well ventilated and clean.

He added that appliances should not be left unattended when in use and he encouraged people to make sure their appliances are registered online, so they are alerted by the manufacturer if there are any faults.

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