House fire - caused by electrical vape charger

Firefighters were called to reports of a house fire in Maldon this afternoon (Tuesday 15 November).

When the first fire crews arrived, they reported the first floor of the house was full of smoke and a bedroom was engulfed in flames. The fire has also spread to the roof.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property and extinguished the blaze.

Watch Manager Martin Cable, Maldon Fire Station, said:

"This fire has caused extensive damage to the house and the occupants will not be able to live there for some time - there is a lot of damage to repair.

"The fire started in the bedroom where a vape, which was plugged into a charger, was left on the bed unattended. The vape overheated and caught the bedding and mattress alight. The fire then spread around the bedroom.

"Incidents like this show how important it is to think about how you should charge your electrical items safely. We advise that you only use a reputable charger and not cheap alternatives which are often not tested or conform to safety standards. We also urge people not to leave any electrical items charging unattended and to place the items on a fire-resistant surface, not a bed or sofa which are much more flammable."