Fire service issue warning after vape charger sets house alight in Maldon
The first floor and roof were damaged in the blaze yesterday
Essex Fire & Rescue have issued a warning after a vape charger overheated and set alight to a home in Maldon.
Crews from Maldon, Witham, Chelmsford and Colchester were called to Jersey Road at around 1:40pm yesterday (November 15).
They found a bedroom alight, with flames spreading to the roof.
The entire property was filled with smoke.
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 a cheap alterntive 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."