Firefighters were called in after a fire broke out in a house in Bews Lane in Chard, last morning. The fire is said to have been caused by an overheated washing machine.

Two fire engines had been sent to fight the fire. However, when the fire had broken out, the occupier is said to have isolated it and hence it did not cause much damage. The fire went out when the electricity was turned off.

What brand the washing machine was and why the overheating was caused has however not been mentioned.

In related news, a 12-year old girl, from the Gold Coast, living in an Upper Coomera residence, who was trapped in a washing machine was rescued by fire crew and paramedics. The girl had apparently slipped in when she hopped on the top loading machine and could not get out of it. The crew had to cut the washing machine with a hydraulic equipment to take her out. Gold Coast News reported that the girl was unharmed.