Electrical fault destroys conservatory

A conservatory has been completely destroyed after an electrical fault started a fire. 

Crews were called to the house in Totlands Drive, Clacton, after the owner called 999 because of a fire in the conservatory. 

When firefighters arrived they reported that the conservatory was completely alight and the fire was beginning to spread through the windows into the house. 

Crew Manager Andrew Deex said:

"Our crews did a brilliant job of containing the fire and stopping it from spreading into the house.

"The fire started after the owner of the house plugged in a faulty electrical item; it almost immediately caught fire. 

"Thankfully the owner was in the same room when it happened. If this has been left even a few more minutes the fire could have spread throughout the house and it would have been a very different story. 

"When you're using electrics make sure you don't overload sockets and check that all wiring and plugs look safe.

"Hot plugs or sockets, scorch marks, fuses that often blow, or flickering light are all signs of loose wiring or other electrical problems."

The fire was completely extinguished by 2.41am and the conservatory has been completely destroyed. 

Do you have working smoke alarms in your home?

If you or someone you know doesn’t have working smoke alarms at home, we can offer them for free as part of a home fire safety visit.

You can book a free home fire safety by calling 0300 303 0088 or emailing home.safety@essex-fire.gov.uk, or visit essex-fire.gov.uk/book for more information.