Following a fire which broke out in a garage in Forest Edge Drive, Ashley Heath, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue has issued electrical safety advice. Fortunately the house was saved.

Firefighters from Ferndown, Verwood and Redhill Park who were called to the address at 7.15am on Sunday 17 April found a garage well alight. They used three hose reels, two main lines and eight sets of breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire which affected the garage and utility room.

Station manager, Mark Downing, said: “Crews worked extremely hard to contain this fire and prevent it spreading to the rest of the property. Thankfully, smoke alarms fitted within the house provided an early warning to the occupiers, who were able to get out and call us. Firefighters treated one resident at the scene for smoke inhalation.

“After a fire investigation, we believe the cause of the fire to be electrical. This is a good opportunity to remind residents that we have some important electrical fire safety tips on our website including information on battery chargers, electrical sockets and appliances. I’d also like to remind the public to ensure they have working smoke alarms on every level of their home; they really can save your life.”

More information on smoke alarms and electrical fire safety can be found on the DWFRS website – https://www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/safety-at-home/