A house in Manchester was the scene of a dramatic rescue operation yesterday (January 21st) after an electrical fault led to a fire breaking out.

The Manchester Evening News has told how fire crews were called to Royston Road in Stretford at about 01:45 GMT, where they found a property in flames. It is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault in a tumble dryer, while the fire went on to destroy a freezer, as well as damaging various other electrical items.

Watch manager Clive Graham from Stretford fire station explained the tumble drier had initially overheated, causing the problem. It eventually caught fire and it was only the fact that a substantial door separated it in the garage from the rest of the house that the consequences were not more severe.

At the time of the incident, two parents and their two children were in the property and they all managed to escape on foot upon smelling smoke. The consequences of the fire could have been much worse had this not been the case.

"The only reason that the occupier woke up was because he smelt smoke so the family were very lucky - had the man not woken when he did, it could have been a devastating incident," explained Mr Graham.

"Not only is it important to have smoke alarms in your home, it's vital that you test them regularly - we recommend once a week."

In the case of the Stretford family, a smoke alarm had been fitted but failed to sound. This led to the fire chief warning that checking alarms is a must, as a lack of maintenance can render them ineffective and result in disastrous consequences.

As well as smoke alarms, homeowners should take a look at consumer units and consider them as a potentially vital investment. A new unit can help to prevent an electrical fault occurring within a property, perhaps making a fire less likely.