Balham fire highlights hidden dangers for launderettes, says brigade

Nearly half of the ground floor of a two-storey industrial launderette in Balham was damaged by an overnight fire.

The incident has prompted fire chiefs to warn of the dangers of tumble driers and fabrics soaked in oils.

Eight fire engines and about 60 firefighters tackled the blaze oi Weir Road. The brigade was called just after 1am this morning and firefighters brought the blaze under control around an hour later.

Crews from Clapham, Battersea, Brixton, Tooting and West Norwood fire stations attended the scene.

There were no reports of any injuries.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the self-heating of laundry.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “These types of fires often involve textiles that become contaminated with oil, most commonly linseed, massage and cooking oil on tea towels, tablecloths and chef whites.

“Make sure you check the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations of your textiles before washing.

“Sometimes when materials are cleaned and put in tumble dryers, the heat from the tumble drying cannot escape. This can result in a high enough temperature allowing it to build up to a point where it smoulders and eventually ignites.

“If you are washing and then drying on a hot cycle, always use the cooling cycle on the tumble dryer so it cools down and allow the heat to dissipate properly, before stacking laundered items together.”

(Picture: London Fire Brigade)