TWO blazes at homes caused by tumble dryers highlighted how people could be risking dangerous fires in a bid to save money during the cost of living crisis.

According to national figures from Electrical Safety First, microwaves are the electrical product causing the most fires (4,749 over five years from 2014 – 2019).

It’s followed by tumble dryers (2,661) and washing machines (2,589).

On Sunday, just before midnight, a house fire in Wakefield was caused by a tumble dryer. Two people needed to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Also, in September crews attended a similar blaze in Huddersfield shortly after 11pm – there were no smoke alarms in the property and the occupant suffered smoke inhalation.

“With electricity often costing less at night it can be tempting to wait until bedtime to put appliances such as tumble dryers on,” Fire prevention manager Sarah Laidlow-Moore said.

“However, people need to be aware of the dangers of leaving electrical products unattended – especially at night when they are asleep.

“Electrical Safety Week is a chance for us to raise awareness of electrical fire risks and talk to people about the simple steps they can take to help ensure they don’t have a devastating fire in their homes."