The number of fires caused by fabrics stained with essential oils has increased, Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (WFRS) has said.

WFRS said fires were caused when people washed oil-stained fabrics on or below 40 degrees and then put them away in a warm place.

Washing fabric on a cool temperature does not break the oil down and once it warms up it can “self-combust”.

WFRS said fabric with oil on it should be washed at or above 40 degrees.

Julian Parsons, from WRFS, said: “It is hard to believe that fire can just break out in a pile of fabric, but we have seen a great deal of damage caused by this type of blaze.”

Source BBC