A fire in Consett, caused by a tumble dryer, severely damaged a home on Richardson Way, with four hospitalized and neighbors evacuated
Fire Breaks Out in Consett Home
A semi-detached home on Richardson Way in the Berry Edge Estate in Consett caught fire on Friday, January 2. Eyewitnesses reported that the flames spread in just “minutes.”
Four people were taken to the hospital as neighboring homes were evacuated and the street was cordoned off. Firefighters worked to control the flames, which had spread through the roof.
Images from the scene showed severe damage, including charred brickwork, missing windows, and most of the roof destroyed.
Cause of the Fire Identified
On Thursday, January 8, the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that a tumble dryer likely caused the fire. Following the incident, the fire service issued guidance to residents about household appliances.
A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) stated, “The fire, which originated in the utility room, caused a significant amount of damage; however, it is believed that the tumble dryer likely caused the source of the fire.”
They added, “Thanks to working smoke alarms, the occupants were quickly alerted to the fire and able to leave the premises.”
The spokesperson emphasized the importance of having working smoke alarms on every floor. They advised residents to switch off and unplug appliances when not in use, and never to use a tumble dryer overnight or when not home. They also recommended keeping doors closed to slow the spread of fire and smoke.
Community Support Following the Fire
In the days after the fire, neighbors set up a GoFundMe page with a goal of raising £2,000. This target was quickly surpassed.
Nearby residents expressed their shock at the incident. One man, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his experience. He said he rushed home after hearing about the fire.
He recounted, “I got a call from my partner telling me to come back, there was a fire, I thought it was my place. I rushed back in case anyone needed to be helped out from the house but the fire brigade were already here.”
He noted, “The fire brigade came within five minutes. It took ten minutes for the flames to come out of the roof. I’ve never seen a house go up like that before. Luckily, it wasn’t windy and the flames didn’t go anywhere else.”
He added, “My partner was screaming, she had her sister and her kids in the kitchen. They were all crying. It’s scary how fast it went up in flames.”
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Incident | January 2 | Home on Richardson Way caught fire. |
| Cause Identified | January 8 | Tumble dryer likely caused the fire. |
| GoFundMe Page | Post-Fire | Raised over £2,000 for affected residents. |
