Firefighters are urging all West Sussex residents to check their properties have fuseboxes that include modern circuit breakers following a fire last week caused by an electrical fault.
Crews from Crawley and Horsham dealt with the fire at a property in Gossops Green which started in an extension lead behind the microwave and toaster in the kitchen.
The advent of new technology means we are using more and more electrical appliances in the home so the risk of electrical accidents is higher than ever before. Circuit breakers are automatic protection devices in the fusebox that switch off a circuit if they detect a fault.
Mark Hayter, WSFRS Fire Investigation Officer, comments; “Unfortunately the old wire fuses in this property did not trip the electrics early enough to stop a fire from igniting. It’s very important that residents and home-owners check their fuseboxes to ensure they are in line with current standards. Any electrical work, including the installation of circuit breakers, should be carried out by a qualified electrician.
“No matter how careful you are accidents can happen so make sure you have a smoke alarm on every level of your home and ensure they are tested regularly.”
For more information on electrical safety in the home, including fuseboxes and circuit breakers, please visit Electrical Safety First’s website.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is at the heart of West Sussex County Council's Communities and Public Protection Directorate, working to support communities to become safer, stronger and more resilient through a combination of prevention, protection and response activities.
