House fire in Barking “caused by extension lead”

London Fire Brigade were called to the incident at Keir Hardie Way (credit: London Fire Brigade)

A house fire in Barking is believed to have been caused by an extension lead.

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to the blaze, in Keir Hardie Way, at 10.13pm last night.

Crews from Barking and Ilford fire stations attended the scene.

The blaze was under control an hour later.

One man and a child left the building before fire crews arrived.

There were no reports of any injuries.

Half of the first floor and part of the roof of an end-of-terrace house was damaged by fire.

Fire investigators believe the blaze was accidental and involved an extension lead.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “It’s important to be mindful not to overload extension leads. Power-hungry appliances such as kettles, toasters, and microwaves shouldn’t be on the same extension.

“It’s also important to fully unwind drum extension leads. If you leave them coiled, they can overheat and cause a fire.”

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