Electrical fault causes fire

Crews were called to a house fire in Corringham earlier this evening, after an electrical fault caused a fire in a bedroom.

Firefighters were called to Thames Crescent at 6:48pm.

On arrival, crews confirmed that there was a fire in the bedroom and the top floor of the property was smoke-logged.

Crews worked hard to extinguish the fire by 7:22pm.

Geoff Wheal, Watch Manager at Corringham Fire Station, said “Firefighters from Corringham and Basildon worked hard to bring the fire under control and ventilate the property.

"We believe the fire was caused by an electrical fault, which developed when a portable vacuum cleaner was charging. This month is Electrical Fire Safety Month, and this incident reinforces the importance of registering your electrical appliances.

"We also want to take this opportunity to remind the public how important it is to have working smoke alarms; that they are in the right place and are tested regularly. A smoke alarm is best way to alert you and your family to a fire in the home”.

Have you registered your appliances?

Occasionally, manufacturers identify problems with a product after it has been in use for some time. By registering your appliances, manufacturers can contact you directly to arrange for a faulty item to be fixed or replaced.

Registering appliances in your home is a free, quick and easy way to help keep your family safe. To register your appliances, visit: www.registermyappliance.co.uk/register

Could you be an on-call firefighter?

Firefighters from Corringham are on-call Firefighters, who live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station.

If you live or work within 5 minutes of an on-call fire station, you could be an on-call firefighter too.

Find out more about the role at essex-fire.gov.uk/on-call