Councillor Darren O’Donovan said the house fire that killed a girl aged nine and her father in Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, on Sunday could have been started by a tumble dryer. Another girl, 11, is said to be in a critical condition
A house fire that killed a nine-year-old girl and her father in West Yorkshire could have been started by a tumble dryer, a councillor has said. Emergency services rushed to the site of the blaze on Russell Close in Heckmondwike on Sunday morning.
Medics tried to save the father’s life but he died at the scene, while the young was taken to hospital but died later that day. An 11-year-old girl has also been left fighting for her life in hospital after the blaze. It is believed the girls’ mother was away on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia and returned to the UK on Monday.
READ MORE: Heckmondwike house fire: Wife and mum of dad and girl, 9, who died in blaze ‘is travelling overseas’
West Yorkshire Police said it is still investigating the cause of the fire, but there has been speculation that a tumble dryer could have caused it, as firefighters could be seen outside the rear of the property with what appeared to be a damaged household appliance.
As the investigation continues, Darren O’Donovan, a councillor for Dewsbury West and chairman of the fire authority, said the blaze could have been started by a tumble dryer. Mr O’Donovan said: “It’s clearly a tragic event for the family and people that live in that neighbourhood.
“My thoughts and condolences go out to the family and those affected by this. We believe that the fire started about an hour before the 999 call came in.” He said early indications suggested “the fire started in the kitchen area and its ignition source was a tumble dryer.”
“There are a number of tumble dryers that have been recalled by a number of manufacturers,” he added. “That’s the tragedy: this was just a local family on a very regular street in Heckmondwike and a tragic accident has taken place.
“I think the community is rallying and pulling together to support other members of the family and friends that are affected by this.” Councillor Ali Arshad, who represents Heckmondwike on Kirklees Council as a member of the Kirklees Community Independents Group, said the family of the victims were “absolutely amazing people”.
“They keep themselves to themselves and are always cheery and willing to help,” he said. “I think the key thing is to get the mother and daughter united. That’s going to be difficult.”
Councillor Viv Kendrick, who represents the Heckmondwike ward, said: “I’m just horrified for the family and their friends and the local community. It’s a close-knit community. The people all know each other.”
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said it sent four crews to tackle the blaze, which was reported at around 6am. Det Insp Paul Greatorex, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “We are continuing to work with colleagues at the fire service to investigate this dreadfully sad incident, which has resulted in a father and daughter losing their lives.
“Extensive inquiries have been ongoing since yesterday and we have been working to locate and support relatives of the victims both here and outside of the UK at what is clearly an awful time for the family.
“While our inquiries remain ongoing, we do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances regarding the cause of the fire and will be preparing a file for the coroner in due course. Our support for the family involved clearly also still continues.”
Cllr O’Donovan said that the fire and rescue service would have an increased presence in the neighbourhood over the next few days to speak with neighbours about fire prevention measures.
He encouraged people to check they had working smoke alarms, a night-time routine which included turning off electrical equipment and closing internal doors and to check the recall lists for tumble dryers from brands including Hoover, Haier, Candy, Lamona, Capel, Baumatic, Montpellier and Iberna.