Tumble Drier Fireman Video

A firefighter takes the tumble dryer for a spin! National press coverage shortly followed.

A fireman in uniform has been videoed by a colleague getting into a tumble dryer and taking a spin. He texts it to his mates, but the boss isn't amused. It's the kind of fodder that fills the local papers, and Saturday's Manchester Evening News ran the story. Naughty fireman! And, presumably, end of local story?

Apparently, Manchester Evening News' website published the video online, but realised that maybe it shouldn't have done, so the editors took it down. Before they managed to do that, a geek recorded it and loaded it up on to YouTube.

This story wasnt very big a few days ago. But since making it on to YouTube and it has rocketed on to BBC TV news, ITV, and a few websites (and the front page of Digg). And we know that won't be the end. No doubt this will be in tomorrow's national press, and watch the viewing numbers soar.

Tumble dryer fireman apologises

A firefighter who was involved in a prank in which he was spun in a tumble dryer has apologised for his actions.

Andy Bruce, 33, was filmed climbing into the machine at Blackley fire station in Manchester before it was switched on.

Senior fire officers described the incident as foolish and dangerous.

Mr Bruce, who lives in Radcliffe, Bury, has not been suspended but he is likely to face disciplinary charges, the fire service said.

"I am the person in the video, and I'm very sorry," Mr Bruce said.

"I'm fully complying with the internal investigation."

Mr Bruce, who has served with the brigade for four years, together with two other officers, will be questioned about the incident, which was condemned by Assistant County Fire Officer Steve Beckley as being "reckless" and "stupid".

Mr Beckley said: "When I first saw the footage I was horrified that any of our firefighters would think this was an acceptable practice.

"The majority of our firefighters are very professional and put their lives on the line every day."

Asked if those involved would be sacked, he said: "I do not wish to speculate but it is a very serious matter for us.

Disciplinary hearing

"There are number of issues to consider including health and safety and the reputation of the fire service.

"Because of the types of things we have to deal with in our service as firefighters those responsible would be aware of the dangers of doing this."

In the video, Mr Bruce climbs in the machine which is then switched on and he is turned over inside it several times as colleagues laugh in the background.

A full disciplinary hearing is likely to take place within two weeks.

The Fire Brigades Union is refusing to comment until the fire service investigation has been carried out.