Dog rescued following accidental house fire caused by electrical fault

We have rescued a dog following an accidental house fire in Burton-on-Trent that was caused by an electrical fault.

Firefighters went to a home off Cornwall Road just after 2pm yesterday (Sunday 17 March) and found a bedroom well-alight.

The fire had also spread to the loft and to roofs of nearby properties.

Occupants of the affected buildings were evacuated and the fire was extinguished just after 4pm.

A woman was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation but did not need further treatment.

We also helped rescue a dog from the fire and gave it oxygen therapy before it was taken to a local vet for further treatment.

The dog has made a full recovery and has since been returned to it owner(s).

Fire investigators deemed the fire to be caused accidentally as a result of an electrical fault with an extension lead.

Station Manager Leigh Richards, said: “There are a number of factors around the modern home which can increase your risk of falling victim to accidental fires, including faulty or overheating electronics, which is why it’s so important to be aware of the risks and take action to mitigate them before the incident happens.”

There are a number of ways which residents can protect themselves from accidental fires when using electrics, including:

• Only use official charges and don’t be tempted by cheap alternatives
• Replace all damaged cables and chargers straight away
• Make sure all electrical appliances have a British or European safety mark when you buy them
• Don’t overload your sockets – keep one appliance to one plug where possible
• Get in the habit of unplugging your devices when you go to bed or you leave the house
• Untangle wires to avoid overheating

You can also register your device online at (Home - Register My Appliance). It provides up-to-date, accurate, contact information for owners who have acquired specific models of appliances within the last 12-years, so manufacturers can issue safety updates or repair notifications to the right homes.

The website provides access to the registration pages of over 40 leading brands of domestic appliances, including most of the UK’s top-selling brands of major white goods.

Other electrical items should be registered with the manufacturer when you purchase them. They can be checked for recalls and registered using the Electrical Safety First website.