House left uninhabitable after fault starts fire

Three Essex crews tackled the blaze at the terraced house in Basildon on Thursday afternoon

A house has been left uninhabitable after an electrical fault caused severe smoke and fire damage.

Neighbours reported flames, smoke and smoke alarms going off inside a mid-terrace house on Pendle Drive, Basildon, Essex, at about 12:25 BST on Thursday.

No-one was inside at the time and three crews put out the flames and ventilated the property, Essex Fire and Rescue Service said.

An investigation found the blaze, which started on the ground floor, was accidental and due to an electrical fault.

Dan Swansborough, watch manager and 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."

He recommended having a smoke alarm on every level of a home and testing them regularly.