Barking family escapes fridge fire

Picture: Google Maps

A family has had a lucky escape after a fridge freezer went up in flames at a house in Barking.

The four adults and two children were not injured but part of the ground floor of the property on Greatfields Road was damaged by the blaze on Sunday evening.

It’s thought to have been caused by a fridge freezer kept under the stairs.

The fire service was called around 10.36pm and the fire was put out about 45 minutes later.

Brigade Fire Investigator John Barwis said: “The occupants were alerted to the fire after they smelt smoke.

“They did the right thing by getting out of the property and calling 999.

“The fridge freezer was stored in an under the stairs cupboard which we would advise against as escape routes should be kept clear.

“If you do have to store your white goods in such a way, you must ensure there is smoke detection within the cupboard.

“Had this fire broken out later, when the occupants were asleep, it could have quickly cut off any means of escape.”