As briefly reported in last week's issue, fire crews from Pembroke Dock and Tenby were called to a property fire at Sageston last week and on arrival were confronted with a small smouldering fire in a garage attached to a bungalow. Crews quickly extinguished the fire and set about determining the cause of the fire.

It soon became apparent that the fire was caused by an un-ducted domestic tumble dryer. The hot air vent had been in close proximity to some structural timber and the accumulation of clothing lint coupled with the hot air had been sufficient to start the fire.

Station manager Sion Slaymaker said: "It is fortunate for the occupant that this fire was discovered during its smouldering stage which was largely due to it happening during daylight hours.

"It is extremely important to ensure that vent pipes are fitted to your tumble dryer and that they are free and unobstructed. It is also prudent to ensure that lint build-up does not occur either within filters or within the vent pipe itself.

"Incidents such as this reinforce the importance of having working smoke alarms fitted in the home."

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service offers free home fire safety checks which give people the opportunity to get invaluable advice from their local fire and rescue service about planning escape routes, positioning alarms and ensuring that the correct, working smoke alarm is fitted in their home. To request a home fire safety check for yourself or a vulnerable loved one or neighbour, contact MAWWFRS on 0800 169 1234 or visit http://www.freesmokealarm.co.uk/">http://www.freesmokealarm.co.uk/