Crews issue charging warning after socket fire
Crews have issued safety advice after a fire at a bungalow in Wickford today.
We were called to Fourth Avenue at 10.15am and crews from Basildon (two) and Southend attended.
They found smoke coming from a multi plug extension socket in the kitchen.
Crew Manager Kris Mortimer said: "The extension socket had been overloaded with too many appliances plugged into it and it caught fire.
"Thankfully an occupant saw the smoke and called 999 and the fire was actually out when we arrived.
"We are seeing this kind of fire more and more, particularly involving cheap, poor quality extension sockets. We would urge residents to only use one adaptor per socket; don’t plug one adaptor into another."
Crews used a thermal imaging camera to make sure the socket was safe.
They also fitted a smoke alarm because the device in the bungalow did not sound.
Crew Manager Mortimer said: "Although the smoke alarm was working, it was not in the best position to detect smoke so we fitted a new one.
"If you haven't got at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home, get in touch by visiting essex-fire.gov.uk/book or calling 0300 303 0088."
Charging safely
- Plugging too many electrical appliances into one socket can lead to overheating
- Use sockets safely. It’s better to use a bar adaptor (multi-board) on a lead than a block adaptor
- Only use one adaptor per socket. Don’t plug one adaptor into another and try to keep to one plug per socket
- Don't overload extension leads and adaptors, they have a limit on how many amps they can take
Have you got working smoke alarms?
Smoke alarms save lives. They can alert your family as well as your neighbours and passers by to a fire in your home if you're not in.
We recommend you have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home and that you test them at least once a month.
If you or someone you know doesn’t have working smoke alarms at home, please get in touch with our Service. Visit essex-fire.gov.uk/book or call 0300 303 0088.
