UK firefighters issue warning to PM over white goods

ISTANBUL (AA) - Firefighters in the U.K. have called on the country’s premier to take “decisive action” over faulty or potentially dangerous white goods which they say have been responsible for a number of deadly fires, including June’s Grenfell Tower tragedy which claimed 80 lives.

In an open letter to Prime Minister Theresa May, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said there are three fires a day in the U.K. involving tumble dryers alone.

They also say some common electrical appliances, such as freezers and fridges, are being made with plastic backing which can catch fire.

In the letter, which was signed by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, the LFB said a faulty dryer was responsible for a huge blaze which engulfed a tower block in Shepherd’s Bush, west London a year ago.

June’s deadly fire at Grenfell Tower, which made headlines around the world, was also started by a faulty home appliance. Hundreds of people across the U.K. capital were forced to leave their homes after at least 27 other high-rise tower blocks failed fire-cladding safety tests.

“We are deeply concerned that, a year after Shepherds Court, decisive action is still needed to improve product recalls and manufacturing standards for white goods in the U.K.,” the LFB added.

Firefighters are now concerned that despite incidents like this, and the Grenfell Tower deaths, many families are still using equipment which subject to recall by some manufacturers.