Essex fire service says smoke alarm gives early warning of tumble dryer fire
Firefighters were called to a temple in Hatfield Peverel on Sunday (31 May 2026) afternoon after a tumble dryer caught fire
Firefighters have been tackling a tumble dryer fire, after being called to a temple in Hatfield Peverel on Sunday (31 May 2026) afternoon.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service says around 30 people were inside the building when a smoke alarm alerted them to the fire, but they got out, stayed out and called 999.
Crews extinguished the fire before using specialist fans to clear smoke from the building.
Thankfully, nobody was injured.
Station Manager Steve Kirkham said:
"Everyone in the building did exactly the right thing when they heard the smoke alarm. They got out, stayed out and called us straight away.
"That early warning from the smoke alarm gave everyone the time they needed to get to safety.
"This incident is a good example of why working smoke alarms are so important. Fires can develop quickly, but the alarm provided an early warning and helped ensure everyone got out safely."