• This article has been amended (12.08.16) after it was pointed out to us that it was only a ‘suggested change in legislation’ stating consumer details should be recorded. The previous version of this article had claimed it was ‘legislation’ which was incorrect.

Fire chiefs and trading standards officials are urging homeowners in Gedling borough to check on their white goods after a series of fires in the county.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) and Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards are warning people to check that no outstanding recall notices exist on their dishwashers, tumble dryers, washing machines and fridge freezers if they are over two years old.

The same warning is being issued to tenants who may have inherited their goods from the previous occupiers.

The warning comes after four fires occurred in one week where homeowners were unaware of outstanding recall notices.

In one incident, a father from Clipston-on-the-Wolds was at home with his wife and three-month old daughter when smoke alarms began to sound and smoke poured from their tumble dryer in the utility room.

Simon Porter, who later found out his appliance was on the recall list, said: “We were very shocked at what happened as the last thing we expected to be on fire was our tumble dryer.

“Firefighters arrived at the scene and put the fire out, and we later found out that our dryer is on the recall list. We are set to have a home visit from the manufacturer who we have contacted regarding the fire and we would urge others to check their appliances and smoke alarms as if it had not been for our working alarms, we would not have known about the fire.”

A suggested change in legislation brought in recently states that consumer’s details should be recorded upon purchase of any goods to allow manufacturers to notify them of any potential recalls; however, before this manufacturers were only required to advertise recalls on their website and in the media so that consumers could check their goods themselves.

This means that owners of any white goods over two years old are not known to the manufacturer and, as such, they cannot be contacted if required to alert them to the safety recall.

Ian Tomlin, a Fire Investigation Officer with NFRS, warned homeowners to make themselves aware of any recall notices. He said: “As we have seen in these four incidents, you might not always be aware that your belongings are subject to recall notices and if left unchecked this could put you and your family in danger.

“If you think that your appliance could be part of a manufacturer’s recall then check with them, this can be done by visiting the manufacturer’s website. In the case of tumble dryers, it is essential that the filters are cleaned out regularly, do not operate them at night whilst you are in bed or during times when you are not at home”.

“Additionally, ensure that you have correctly positioned working smoke detectors which are tested regularly.”