Mobile home fire - Romford

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a mobile home on Benskins Lane in Romford.

A mobile home and a van parked next to it were destroyed by the fire. Nearby timber fencing and a further seven cars in a nearby scrapyard were also damaged by the fire. There were no reports of any injuries.

The Brigade was called at 0649 and the fire was under control by 0845. Fire crews from Romford, Wennington and Hornchurch fire stations attended as well as colleagues from Essex Fire and Rescue Service.

The Brigade's fire investigators believe the fire was accidental and was caused by the unsafe use of an electric heater. 

Top tips for using heaters safely:

• Make sure heaters are well maintained and in good working order.
• Don't take risks with old heaters – if it's electrical and getting older, get it tested by a qualified electrician or buy a new one.
• Where appropriate, secure heaters against a wall to stop them falling over, or fit wall-mounted heaters.
• Keep heaters well away from clothes, curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes.
• Always sit at least one metre away from a heater as it could set light to your clothes or chair.