PEOPLE are being warned that turning a tumble dryer off before the cycle has completed and leaving the door closed can spark a fire.

The message comes after a recent fire at a house in Hartlepool where the machine was stopped after about an hour.

Cleveland Fire Brigade says a build-up of heat was enough to result in clothes going up in flames and burn out a dryer causing severe smoke damage to a kitchen.

Phil Lancaster, the brigade’s director of community protection, said: “It can be tempting to save costs by turning off the machine before it has finished and walking away leaving the clothes or other items still inside.

“This is extremely dangerous. When you go back to it later there could be nothing left but charred remains and you may have a potentially serious fire where your property or lives are at risk.

“We are asking people to be sensible. Let the tumble dryer run for as long as you have set it and then open the door and empty it. There are no short cuts when safety is involved.”

The brigade has also issued a number of safety tips, including always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using; never leave your appliance unattended or running overnight; never overload your dryer or put items in that have been used to soak up flammable liquid, and keep your dryer well ventilated.