Tumble dryer blaze forces family to flee tower block flat in Eastwood, Southend

A family has been left homeless after a fire broke out in a flat on the fourth floor of an 11-storey tower block in Eastwood during the early hours of Monday morning.

Firefighters were called to Beaver Tower, located on Mansell Close, at 3.45am on 14 July. Multiple fire crews from Leigh, Southend, Rayleigh Weir and Basildon were dispatched to the scene after a tumble dryer caught fire inside an internal balcony area, spreading quickly into the lounge.

Station Manager Steve Osborn from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said:
“A tumble dryer had caught fire in an internal balcony and spread to the lounge. Fortunately the smoke alarm alerted the occupants and they were able to get out and call 999. The incident highlights the importance of having a working smoke alarm to give you and your family an early warning if there is a fire in your home.”

Fire crews were able to extinguish the blaze by 4.30am. Thermal imaging cameras were used to check for any signs of further fire spread within the building.

The cause of the fire has been confirmed as accidental. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

However, the damage was severe. The flat is now uninhabitable due to extensive smoke and fire damage, and the affected family has been forced to seek alternative accommodation.

Station Manager Osborn added:
“Sadly the flat has been left uninhabitable due to the smoke and fire damage. It’s important to make sure you take extra care when using tumble dryers. Don’t use them at night or while unattended, clean the filters after every use and remove items immediately after the cycle has finished.”

Residents of Beaver Tower, built in the 1960s as part of Eastwood’s social housing provision, were said to be “shaken but relieved” that the fire didn’t spread to other flats.

One resident in the block, who asked not to be named, said:
“I woke up to flashing lights of the fire brigade and could smell the smoke. It’s scary to think what could have happened if the fire had spread further.”

Another resident, Ella Alison, said she called 999 after noticing the fire. She told Your Southend: “I had taken my dog outside for the toilet and I could smell smoke. I looked up and saw the flames and dialled 999 to get the ambulance and fire service here as quickly as possible. There was a lot of screaming from frightened children.”

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with household appliances and the critical role smoke alarms play in home safety.

Tumble dryer fires in the UK: a persistent threat

Fires caused by tumble dryers remain a serious issue across the UK. According to Home Office fire statistics, there are around 600 fires each year linked specifically to tumble dryers. Many are the result of mechanical faults, clogged filters, or running machines unattended – particularly overnight.

Some of the most high-profile appliance recalls in recent years involved tumble dryers, with Whirlpool at the centre of major safety concerns. In 2019, the government ordered a recall of over 500,000 unmodified Whirlpool dryers following a series of fires.

Fire services across the country regularly urge households to:

• Clean lint filters after every use
• Avoid overloading the dryer
• Never run machines while out or asleep