A fire broke out in a home in Kensington when a swinging door inadvertently switched on a hair dryer.
Investigators believe the blaze at Gratton Road on June 21 was started when the appliance was left partially unplugged.
However, when the door swung open and pushed the plug in, and the hair dryer, which had been left switched on, started working.
Investigators believed it blasted hot air at a number of nearby items including an aerosol can which exploded causing the fire.
Head of Fire Investigation Charlie Pugsley said: “While this is an unusual chain of events, it shows how important it is to not leave items like hair dryers and straighteners plugged in.
“Thankfully the resident was alerted to the fire quickly when the aerosol can exploded. Had he not been in, the fire could have quickly spread and this story could have had a very different ending.
“Smoke alarms also went off in the home, which also gave an extra warning of the blaze. I can’t stress how important it is to have working smoke alarms in your home.
Not only are they your first warning that there is a fire, but if you are out, your neighbours might hear the alarm.”
Three fire engines attended the fire at 7.40pm. Little damage was caused to the property.
Top three tips for avoiding a ‘beauty blaze’
Hair dryers, hair tongs and straighteners can get extremely hot, so it’s very important to remember to switch them off and leave them to cool on a heat proof surface
Shaving or make up mirrors should be kept away from direct sunlight, along with any canisters, such as deodorant or hairspray
Candles need to be placed on a surface that can’t melt or catch fire, such as a ceramic plate. Always blow them out when you leave the room, and never leave them burning without supervision
Earlier this year the fire brigade warned against the dangers of using some tumble dryers after a spate of fires.
And a granddad said he would not use his appliance until it had been repaired, despite some shocking advice from the manufacturer.
