Last updated: 13/06/2022, 1:24 PM

House fire – Bexleyheath

22/05/2022 02:16
Bexley
House or flat fire
)

Firefighters are warning people to take care not to overload extension leads after a house fire on Martin Dene in Bexleyheath.

Half of the first floor and a small part of the loft of a semi-detached house were damaged by fire. There were no reports of any injuries.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by an overloaded extension lead.

Sub Officer Peter Guppey, who was at the scene, said: “On arrival, the fire was producing heavy smoke and crews faced a developing fire at the rear of the property. Crews worked swiftly to bring the fire in a rear bedroom under control and prevent further damage to the roof.

“The property didn’t have any working smoke alarms, so it was lucky that two men managed to escape safely and called 999 as soon as they discovered the fire. You should have working smoke alarms in every room where a fire can start, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen. They should be tested regularly.

“There were multiple extension leads plugged in together leading back to a single socket. Overloaded sockets are one of the most common causes of electrical fires. Some electrical appliances use more power than others, so be mindful not to overload extension leads and always check that you’re using the right fuse for the plug.”

The Brigade was called at 0216 and the fire was under control by 0309. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Bexley, Erith and Greenwich fire stations attended the scene.

Firefighters’ top tips for electrical device safety

  • Try to keep to one plug per socket, especially for high powered appliances like washing machines.
  • Always check that you’re using the right fuse.
  • Be lead safety savvy – cable drum extension leads should always be completely unwound to avoid overheating, and be careful not to overload extension leads.
  • Register your white goods – it could save your life if a product is recalled for safety reasons.
  • Always make sure electrical appliances have a British or European safety mark when you buy them.
  • Keep electrical appliances clean and in good working order.
  • Don't buy cheap counterfeit chargers for items that use lithium batteries, and never leave phones or laptops plugged in to charge overnight

You may also be interested in...