House Fire Breaks Out in Waterlooville
Shortly before 4pm on Tuesday, 4 May, fire crews from Waterlooville, Cosham, Southsea, Havant, and Portchester responded to a significant house fire in Bruce Gardens, Waterlooville.
Upon arrival, firefighters found flames and thick smoke pouring from an upstairs window of the mid terraced home. The fire originated on the first floor and quickly spread to the attic.
Crews tackled the blaze using breathing apparatus, jets, and hoses, successfully bringing it under control. Firefighters then use ventilation fans to clear lingering smoke from the affected property.
The incident was scaled down after the stop message was issued around 9pm. The following morning, a crew returned to the scene for a reinspection, ensuring no hotspots remained. After a thorough check, no signs of fire were detected.
A rechargeable handheld fan, left charging in the bedroom, is believed to have sparked the fire.
Thankfully, the hardwired smoke alarm in the home sounded in time, allowing the occupants to escape safely before the fire spread.
The number of incidents we are seeing caused by lithium-ion batteries is on the rise so to protect yourself, your family, and your home from fire, here are some top fire safety tips to keep in mind:
- Buy from reputable retailers and look for the UKCA or CE symbol on the product to ensure it is properly certified.
- You can be informed of dangerous goods and product recalls for electrical appliances by registering your items online.
- Ensure you always use the charger your device originally came with.
- Don’t overload your plug sockets or leave items on charge overnight/unattended.
- Keep an eye out for scorch marks, hot plugs or flickering lights as this could be a sign of dangerous wiring.
- If you’re looking to dispose of your electrical product, check your local waste guidance to safely throw away batteries.
Read more on our dedicated battery and chargers safety page.