Faulty Toaster Blazes Through Lee on Solent Home Leaving Family Homeless
Early Morning Inferno Rips Through House
A faulty toaster sparked a devastating fire that gutted a family home in Lee on the Solent, Hampshire, early Wednesday morning. The blaze broke out just before 8am at a property on Osprey Gardens, leaving the occupants homeless and the house a total loss.
Firefighters Battled Fierce Flames Amid Traffic Chaos
Fire crews from Gosport and Fareham raced to the scene, deploying an aerial ladder and multiple hose reels. Their response was slowed by heavy traffic caused by the arrival of the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier nearby.
Watch Manager Rob Dellow revealed the challenges his team faced: “On arrival, crews confirmed a fire raging in the kitchen. They used six breathing apparatus sets and two hose reels to tackle the flames. The heat was intense, threatening to bring down the ceiling.”
Woman Escapes Unharmed But Loses Everything
The woman cooking at the time escaped unharmed and raised the alarm. Sadly, the fire completely destroyed her home and all belongings.
Investigation Points to Faulty Toaster as Culprit
Investigation is underway, but early reports suggest the blaze started when a toaster failed to switch off, igniting the kitchen at the rear of the property. The fire consumed plasterboard from the roof and walls, causing severe damage throughout the house.
“It was a well-developed fire when crews arrived,” added Dellow. “It was a tough job, but the firefighters worked brilliantly under pressure.”
