TAVISTOCK fire station officer Tim Smith has warned of the dangers of tackling fires involving plastic after a tumble dryer caught fire. Station officer Smith said the fire occurred at around midday on February 26 and was discovered by the owner of the house in Orchard Close. A neighbour with a fire extinguisher managed to kill the fire, although he had to make repeated visits outside for fresh air. Although the action of the neighbour prevented more serious damage, Mr Smith said the action taken was ?not recommended?. ?The fire, which was caused by an electrical fault, melted the plastics, and when plastics are involved it is the fumes that will get you. Leave it to the fire brigade,? he said. A cooker fire occurred in Brentor on Sunday when a roast joint ignited. Mr Smith commended the householder for taking the correct action on being confronted with a ball of fire when she opened the cooker door ? she closed the door, which extinguished the fire, and called the fire brigade.
