Fire Brigade warning over leaving dishwashers running in empty house

Firefighters from Tallaght Fire Station attended a domestic fire over the weekend that originated in a dishwasher.

Firefighters warned that householders should never leave a dishwasher, washing machine or dryer on and unattended if you are leaving the house.

In the past, Kildare Fire Service cautioned householders not to overload electrical sockets with household appliances as it may cause a fire risk.

Some appliances such as lamps, televisions, computers, fridges and freezers generally require a 3 amp fuse.

However washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves, kettles, toasters and irons usually require 13 amp fuses.

Kildare Fire Service has shared an interactive Socket Calculator designed by London Fire Bridgade to allow you check if your wall sockets, adaptors or extension leads are overloaded - which is also a common cause of house fires.