‘Unknown’ number of fire-risk dishwashers sold in Ireland

An unknown number of Irish families have been kept in the dark for over a year about fears their dishwashers are at risk of bursting into flames.

Manufacturer Hotpoint has issued a widespread warning about the products in Britain after confirming the equipment poses a “potential fire hazard” — despite initially failing to publicly reveal the issue.

Reports in Britain yesterday found that 71,000 Hotpoint dishwashers made between Jun 2006 and Mar 2007 could pose a risk to households, with only 7,000 located.