A family of six’s home was destroyed in a fire after they used their tumble dryer at night in a bid to save cash in a cost of living crisis.
Charlotte Coutts-Dicker claims she and her family are lucky to be alive after putting the household appliance on overnight.
The fire is believed to have been caused by their tumble dryer at their home in Warfield, Berkshire.
In the middle of the night, 39-year-old Ms Coutts-Dicker’s house became engulfed in flames and she rushed the family out.
Luckily, she, her partner Jack, and their four kids, Harry, 11, Evie, 7, Rosie, 6, and Archie 4, all managed to get out safely.
The family of six’s home caught fire on on December 6 last year and a fire investigation has blamed the tumble dryer
A Hoover tumble dryer (pictured) is believed to be responsible for the fire which caused a house fire in Warfield, Berkshire
Their two chihuahuas, Toby and Tilly, were left fighting for their lives after the blaze on on December 6 last year – but they managed to pull through.
Now, the family are renting out a house nearby in until their family home is safe again.
‘Thank God we woke up, as we could smell smoke.
‘I still can’t believe it,’ ambulance worker Ms Coutts-Dicker’s said.
‘I had got up to use the toilet half an hour before and everything was all right.
‘It was only when the children’s father, Jack, jumped up and asked what the smell was that I knew something was up.
A family of six’s home has been destroyed after they used their tumble dryer at night in a bid to save cash in a cost of living crisis
The home of Charlotte Coutts-Dicker (pictured), 39, was destroyed after they left the tumble dryer on overnight
The living room and conservatory were completely destroyed in the fire
The house was completely destroyed by the fire believed to be caused by the tumble dryer
‘I knew from the tone of his voice it was something serious and all I could see was the house was full of smoke.
‘I immediately raced to the kids, gave them their dressing gowns and told them we needed to leave.
‘I sprang into work mode – I don’t think it’s properly sunk in.’
A fire investigation found the cause of the blaze is believed to be their Hoover tumble dryer.
She said: ‘I did my research and decided on what I thought was a good brand.
‘With us being a big family, the washing and drying are never-ending.
‘And the tumble drier is often on at night to keep up as well as it being a little cheaper.’
The two chihuahuas, Toby and Tilly, were left fighting for their lives after the blaze but managed to pull through
Charlotte Coutts-Dicker’s children Evie, Archie, Rosie and Harry
The family have been forced to use rental accommodation for at least six months before they can return home. Pictured: Charlotte and her partner Jack, with their children, Archie, Rosie, Harry and Evie.
Now, the family have been forced to use rental accommodation for at least six months before they can return home.
She added: ‘Of course, I’m thankful we still get to do that – it’s just the house that’s missing.
‘Because we’re a family of six, we can’t all squeeze into a hotel room, so it was a challenge at first to try and find emergency accommodation.
‘We have a rental now and I’m just glad everyone is okay.
‘I can’t begin to express how thankful I am for all the love and support from our friends, family, work colleagues and community.
‘As well as the vets who have cared for our dogs like their own’
A Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: ‘The cause of the fire is believed to be the tumble dryer.
‘Upon arrival firefighters found the tumble dryer well alight. This was extinguished and removed.’
