Five rescued after Rochdale tumble dryer blaze

Five people were rescued by firefighters in Rochdale last night after an overheated tumble dryer set alight in a terraced house.

Crews from Rochdale were called to the blaze on Viking Street at around 6.30pm on Tuesday October 9.

The occupants of the property were alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm in their house.

Firefighters in breathing apparatus used two hose reels to extinguish the fire and a high pressure fan to clear the smoke from the property. 

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service trauma technician administered oxygen to the casualties, who were taken to hospital suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation.

The fire destroyed the tumble dryer and spread through the kitchen damaging the floor and causing extensive smoke damage to the ground floor of the property.

Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor David Acton said: “Thankfully the quick actions of our firefighters meant these people escaped this fire without serious injuries and the property wasn’t completely destroyed.

“A serious fire can start in just a few seconds so it is important to check that electrical items are in good working order and used properly.

"And with more than 600 electrical fires in Greater Manchester over the last 12 months sadly they are not a rarity.

"If a fire does occur, a working smoke alarm could save you vital seconds to save yourself and your property."