An MP has called for debate amid growing pressure from firefighters for a manufacturer to change their guidelines - after a tumble dryer allegedly caused a fire in Shepherd's Bush .

On Saturday (August 27) London Fire Brigade (LFB) said they believed a fire that engulfed flats in Shepherd's Bush this month was caused by a tumble dryer awaiting repair.

It led them to criticism the guidelines of Whirlpool, Indesit's parent company, which advised customers: "You may continue to use your tumble dryer whilst waiting for the modification, however, we require that you do not leave your dryer unattended during operation as an extra precaution (i.e. do not leave the house or leave the dryer on whilst asleep)."

One man in Fulham who has been waiting six months for a repair to his dryer told getwestlondon he felt "fobbed off" by this advice and was not prepared to stand next to the appliance while it was in use to make sure it did not ignite.

LFB have pleaded with Whirpool to change their guidelines as "a matter of urgency," and now Hammersmith MP Andy Slaughter has called for a debate after writing to the maufacturer.

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Instead LFB want people to completely stop using their tumble dryers completely if they are awaiting modification.

MP steps in

Mr Slaughter wrote in a letter to Indesit: "Manufacturers advise that tumble dryers should only be used when the owner is in the property, but in this instance the resident was at home, but was unable to extinguish the fire before it took hold and spread through her flat.

"This advice is at best deficient, and at worst simply dangerous.

"I would be grateful if you could look into this as a matter of urgency and confirm what Indesit and the Whirlpool Corporation are doing to deal with this issue properly.

"I have now written to Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy about this issue, and I plan on raising this issue in Parliament after recess."

A spokesperson for Whirlpool said: "Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident.

"The cause of the fire is currently unknown and we will assist London Fire Brigade in any way we can as they investigate.

"We are looking into the circumstances surrounding the fire as a matter of urgency. As investigations are currently ongoing, we are unable to comment further at this time."

An LFB spokesperson said: "We want this change because we attend nearly one fire a day involving white goods.

"While there is a fire risk people should not use their appliance until it has been checked and repaired."

Reasons LFB believe Indesit advice is dangerous

1. The safety notice was issued due to the danger of fire and any fire has the potential to endanger life and property.

2. It’s impractical for most people to remain with an appliance for the duration of a drying cycle.

3. If the dryer does catch fire while it’s attended this still presents a risk to the occupants.

4. If the owner attempts to put out a fire in an appliance they could be putting their life at risk. The Brigade’s advice is to not risk tackling the fire, always raise the alarm, get out, stay out and call 999.

5. The time a fire may break out because of a fault is unpredictable. The ignition of fluff accumulated around a heating element may cause a smouldering fire which might not be discovered until the appliance has finished being used and the owner has gone to bed.