An Upminster home was yesterday scorched by a fire believed to have started when a halogen heater was knocked onto the carpet.
A woman and young child left the property uninjured before the fire brigade arrived just after 3pm.
It took two fire engines and about 10 firefighters from Hornchurch and Harold Hill fire stations to extinguish the blaze, but the ground floor was left badly damaged.
A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “It appears that a halogen heater was knocked over and set light to the carpet.
“Thankfully no one was injured but the fire badly damaged the ground floor.
“At this time of the year we see a lot of fires caused by heaters falling over and setting clothes or furniture alight.
“If you use a heater please make sure it is on a stable base so it can’t be knocked over - and never use it to dry your clothes.”
We would like to speak to the homeowner. Please call the news desk on 020 8477 3878 or e-mail news.desk@romfordrecorder if you can help.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here