UK Alert: 85,000 Tumble Dryers Pose Fire Risk

The Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued an urgent safety alert for up to 85,000 integrated heat pump tumble dryers in UK households, warning that the appliances pose a serious fire risk and must not be used until repaired. Owners of affected models from brands including Baumatic, Candy, Caple, Haier, Hoover, Lamona, Iberna and Montpellier are advised to immediately stop operating the machines and unplug them if the plug is accessible.

The warning, announced through GOV.UK, stems from a fault that can cause an internal short circuit during normal operation, potentially leading the dryer to ignite. According to the Office for Product Safety and Standards, "an internal short circuit can occur during normal use, causing the tumble dryer to ignite." The agency emphasized the severity of the hazard, stating that "the appliance must not be used until the repair has been completed" and that "owners must stop using affected appliances immediately. If the plug is accessible, owners should switch off and unplug the appliance."

Households are urged to check their dryer's model and serial numbers using the official GOV.UK product safety alert tool or the manufacturers'...