FIREFIGHTERS are urging residents to be careful after a series of fires involving electrical appliance fires in Greater Manchester.

Three crews were sent to White Street in Leigh on Sunday at around 12.35am where a vacuum cleaner was left on charge.

They were at the scene for two-and-a-half-hours and used four breathing apparatus and two hose reels to extinguish the blaze.

This was followed by a fire on Cavendish Road in Urmston yesterday, Monday, at around 9.30am which was caused by a laptop charger which overheated on a sofa.

Firefighters were in attendance for two hours and 35 minutes.

No-one was injured either of these two incidents but Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) say it highlights how dangerous an overheating charger can be when left unattended.

Firefighters are also calling for people to ensure they are being safe with domestic appliances such as tumble dryers and washing machines following three incidents at the weekend.

On Saturday, three fire engines were called to a fire involving a kitchen at a property on Belgrave Street in Radcliffe.

The cause of the fire was a tumble dryer which was left on and unsupervised.

Fire crews were in attendance for under one hour, with one person being treated by paramedics after suffering the effects of smoke inhalation.

And on Sunday, crews attended an incident when an unmonitored tumble dryer set alight on Ribble Walk in Droylsden at around 9.20pm.

Fire engines were there for around sixty minutes and one person was treated by paramedics.

On Monday, crews were called to a fire involving a washing machine.

Firefighters attended a property on Margaret Street in Wigan at 10.45am and used two breathing apparatus, one hose reel and positive pressure ventilation units to extinguish the fire.

They were on the scene for forty minutes.

Head of Prevention at GMFRS Damian O’Rourke said: “Thankfully, nobody was seriously injured in these incidents but it is a timely reminder of how dangerous electrical appliances can be when left unattended.

“There are many different precautions people can take to minimise the risk of an electrical appliance fire and they need to be monitored regularly.

“Just because there is no flame, does not mean there is no risk of fire.”

To minimise the risk of a fire GMFRS have issued the following advice:

• Switch off appliances at the socket when not in use and when you go out or go to bed, unless they are designed to be left on, like freezers.

• Be aware of what you are charging, where it is and how long it has been on charge

• Check you are not overloading plug sockets

• Do not use chargers or electrical items in areas of the home where they can easily heat up, for example under pillows, under bedding or sofas and cushions.

Dealing with an electrical fire

If there is an electrical fire, pull the plug out, or switch off the power at the fuse box - if it is safe to do so. Sometimes this can stop the fire immediately.

Never use water on an electrical fire, and don't take any risks with your safety - get out, stay out and call 999.

Find out more on what to check for to ensure your appliances don't put you or your family or housemates at risk from fire by clicking here.