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A mother and her two children have lost their most treasured keepsake memories after a fire ripped through the upstairs of their home.

The fire is believed to have been started by a tumble dryer, which had only been running for less than 25 minutes in the property in Quedgeley, Gloucester.

Nobody was hurt in the fire which happened at around midday on September 13 but mother Cherina Latima, 38, says she and her kids have lost their dearest possessions and keepsakes.

Speaking to Gloucestershire Live, the single mum said: “It all happened so quickly. My sister had been at my house doing some washing as I was at work, and put a few sheets in the tumble dryer.

“My sister’s little one started fussing so they nipped home quickly. I got a text from my neighbour when I was grabbing lunch to ask if I was home.

“I replied to my neighbour saying ‘no why?’. I then got a call from them to say I needed to get home as they could see smoke coming from my bedroom window.

“Getting that call was my worst nightmare. All our dearest possessions and keepsakes were gone.

“I am a single mother and I have worked hard to buy everything for the home which took a long time but it is the treasured items and memories we will not be able to replace.”

Getting that call was my worst nightmare. All our dearest possessions and keepsakes were gone

Cherina Latima

The tumble dryer was kept in Miss Latimer’s bedroom as she did not have space for it downstairs. Her bedroom and her son’s rooms were damaged by fire.

Repairs to the home are expected to take between six to eight months to complete but Miss Latimer says she feels all tumble dryers should be banned.

She said: “I would urge people to please never leave the tumble dryer on. I know people who have told me they put their tumble dryer on when they go to bed and it scares me.

“We have lost things we hold dear to us and what can never be replaced. This all happened in the space of 25 minutes.

“My sister feels so guilty for what happened, but I am glad she was not there because I now she would have tried to do something about the fire.

“Mine and the boys room is completely damaged from smoke, fire and water. The kitchen is salvageable .

“I have made peace with what happened but I want people to be careful and aware of the dangers.”

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) suggest electrical appliances are well maintained to prevent fire.

A Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “As with any electrical appliance it is important that residents make sure that they are safe and well maintained. Tumble dryers should be kept clear of lint and fluff which could overheat; all dryers come with instructions on how to remove this safely.

“If appliances are left on at night, or when a home is unattended, you should always make sure there is a timer to switch them off”

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