A fire investigation into the cause of a fire at a commercial site on Nottingham Road, Hopwell, has concluded the most likely cause to be the overheating of an electric light fitting, which spread to nearby combustible materials.
Firefighters from Long Eaton, Nottingham Road, Ascot Drive, Kingsway and Nottinghamshire’s Stapleford station attended the incident following a call at 12.02 hours on Wednesday, 23 February.
Upon arrival, crews were met by a well-developed fire that had started in the loft space of a two-storey outbuilding on the site.
Crews wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels to control the fire. An Aerial Ladder Platform was then deployed, which allowed crews to partially dismantle the roof and extinguish the fire.
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service would like to remind people of the following electrical safety advice:
• Always check that you use the right fuse to prevent overheating.
• Make sure an electrical appliance has a British or European safety mark when you buy it.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidance when installing and using electrical appliances. If in doubt, contact a qualified electrician
• Don’t overload extension leads and adaptors.
• Try and keep to one plug per socket. Certain appliances, such as washing machines, should have a single plug to themselves, as they are high powered.
• Keep your eyes peeled for signs of dangerous or loose wiring such as scorch marks, hot plugs and sockets, fuses that blow or circuit-breakers that trip for no obvious reasons, or flickering lights.
• Check and replace any old cables and leads, especially if they are hidden from view – behind furniture or under carpets and mats.
• Unplug appliances when you’re not using them or when you go to bed – this helps reduce the risk of fire.
• If a fire occurs, don’t tackle it yourself. Get out, Stay Out and Call 999.
• Ensure you have a pre-planned and practiced escape plan.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them weekly.
