A FAMILY will finally have their home back eight months after it was destroyed by a devastating fire.

In March this year, Paul and Tanya Rooke from Buckley, Flintshire, suffered a horrific ordeal when a fire broke out in their family home starting from a tumble dryer appliance in their utility room.

Despite regular safety checks and ensuring it remained clean, the blaze spread quickly causing 50 per cent fire damage to the building's interior, 100 per cent smoke damage and 40 per cent damage to the exterior.

The incident took place in March 2024The incident took place in March 2024 (Image: Tanya Rooke)

Thankfully, nobody was injured. However, the couple lost several items of sentimental value in addition to clothing, furniture and electronics.

Four months on, Tanya says they have been given a completion date of November this year for the rebuild of their home with work set to commence mid-August.

The family has been residing with Tanya's father who lives on the same estate after being given a time-frame of between 9 and 12 months for the house to be fully repaired. 

Tanya and Paul Rooke from FlintshireTanya and Paul Rooke from Flintshire (Image: Tanya Rooke)

Tanya said: "We can go and choose our kitchen, bathroom, carpet and paint. We have to start all over again."

"We are so excited to have something to look forward to. There is a light at the end of, what has felt like, a very long tunnel."

Following the incident, the family received an overwhelming amount of love and support from the Flintshire community. A total of £5,496 was raised from a fundraising page organised by family friend Dave Squires.

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As a result of the incident in March and similar reports involving a tumble dryer across the region, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service are reminding residents to take extra precautions.

  • Don’t overload plug sockets - the high wattage for a tumble dryer means that it needs its own 13-amp socket. Keep an eye out for any scorching or burn marks, including checking any visible electrical wires. 

  • Don't leave appliances unattended – don't turn the tumble dryer on before you leave the house or go to bed. Tumble dryers contain powerful motors with fast moving parts that can get very hot. 

  • Keep your dryer well ventilated, make sure the vent pipe is kink free and not blocked or crushed in any way.

  • Always clean out the filter after using your tumble dryer. 

  • Always allow each drying programme, including the 'cool down cycle', to complete fully before emptying the machine. If you stop the machine mid cycle, the clothing will still be hot. 

  • Don’t ignore the warning signs – if you can smell burning or clothes feel hotter at the end of the cycle, stop using your appliance and have it checked out by a professional.