Residents across Powys are being urged to check their tumble dryers after a national safety alert was issued for around 85,000 appliances that could pose a fire risk.

The warning concerns certain models of integrated heat pump tumble dryers manufactured by Haier. The UK’s Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an alert advising owners to stop using the affected machines immediately and to arrange a free repair.

Several well-known brands fall under the Haier group, including Baumatic, Candy, Caple, Haier, Hoover, Lamona, Iberna and Montpellier. Powys County Council’s Trading Standards Service says anyone with an integrated heat pump dryer from these brands should not assume their machine is safe without checking first.

Householders are being told to locate their model and serial numbers and use the manufacturer’s online checking tool to confirm whether their appliance needs urgent work. If the plug is accessible, owners are being advised to switch the dryer off and unplug it.

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for Legal and Regulatory Services, said: “We strongly urge anyone owning one of these tumble dryers to act immediately.

“An internal short circuit can occur during normal use, causing the tumble dryer to ignite and start a fire in your home.

“It takes a few minutes to check if your tumble dryer is affected. Find your model and serial number, and either check online or contact the manufacturer to see if your appliance needs a free repair.

“Do not use your tumble dryer until the repair is complete.”

The OPSS says Haier’s repair scheme for more than 100,000 machines was paused earlier this year over safety concerns, but a revised fix has now been approved and the company has resumed contacting owners.