Electrical fault causes house fire

Firefighters were called to a house fire in Pendle Drive, Basildon at 12:25pm after neighbours reported seeing flames and smoke inside the house and hearing smoke alarms going off.

On arrival, three crews reported there was a fire in a mid terraced house on the ground floor. 

Crews worked to extinguish the fire and ventilate the property.

The fire has left the house uninhabitable due to heavy fire and smoke damage. 

An investigation was carried out to determine the cause of the fire. It was found to have started accidentally due to an electrical fault. 

Watch Manager Dan Swansborough, Fire Investigation Officer said: “Electrical faults can’t always be prevented but there are lots of ways you can help to prevent an electrical fire in your home. Don’t overload plug sockets and extension leads and make sure any leads and plugs you use at home are in a good condition with no damage on them. Be sure to buy genuine chargers for your devices from a reputable retailer. 

“And importantly, make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home so you and your family are alerted to the first signs of a fire in your home. 

“If you have smoke alarms at home, make sure to test them regularly to make sure they work when you need them the most. If you haven’t got any working smoke alarms, we can fit them for free. Please visit essex-fire.gov.uk/book to book in a free home fire safety visit.”