Fire Rips Through Mid-Terrace Home – Fridge Blamed!
Half the first floor of a mid-terrace house was gutted by fire in the early hours. Luckily, one man escaped before the flames took hold and no injuries have been reported.
Fridge Freezer Sparks Blaze
The London Fire Brigade said the fire appears to have started accidentally from a fridge freezer. Experts warn against ignoring strange noises from white goods:
“If your white goods start making a strange noise, don’t ignore it,” a London Fire Brigade spokesperson said. “If you suspect a problem, unplug it immediately and contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair technician.”
They added: “Most fires caused by white goods are not the result of anything you did – so always register your appliances to get notified of any safety issues.”
Smoke Alarms Failed to Sound
The house had smoke alarms, but they failed to work. The brigade stressed the importance of smoke alarms and heat detectors:
“When a fire starts, smoke alarms provide the earliest possible warning. We urge everyone to install smoke alarms in rooms where fires could start, plus heat alarms in kitchens. Test them regularly.”
Firefighters Rush In, Blaze Quickly Extinguished
The fire service was called at 12.26am and got the blaze under control by 1.18am.
Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Plumstead, Erith, Bexley, and East Greenwich stations tackled the inferno.
Remember: If you spot a faulty appliance or your smoke alarm isn’t working, don’t wait — act fast to keep your home safe.
