Dishwasher causes fire in Didcot

At 10:09 am on the 13 January 2012 Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a kitchen fire in Merritt Road, Didcot.

Two Fire Appliances from Didcot were mobilised & crews arrived within minutes. On arrival the crews discovered a small fire within the dishwasher control board which had been partly extinguished by a member of the public.

Fortunately the occupier was in the house at the time and discovered the fire in its early stages and promptly dialled 999.

Fire crews disassembled the unit to ensure the fire had not spread and made sure the unit was fully extinguished.

Incident Commander Watch Manager Steve Wright from Didcot Fire Station said: “It was very fortunate the occupier was at home and discovered the fire when she did. If the fire had been burning for longer the consequences could have been far worse. Smoke alarms were fitted in the property and assisted with raising the alarm and most certainly helped prevent the situation from worsening”.

Crews from Didcot Fire Station will be attending Merritt Road this afternoon to offer advice and smoke alarms to local residents.

Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service would like to remind everyone:

To check your smoke alarm once a week, by pressing the button until the alarm sounds.
Of the dangers of leaving electrical items switched on or running when the occupants are out of the house.