Electric Heater Sparks Bedroom Fire in Southampton, Quick Thinking Prevents Major Damage

A small electric heater caused a fire that destroyed a bedroom in a Southampton home on Saturday evening, but the occupant’s quick thinking prevented the blaze from spreading.

Firefighters from St Mary’s and Hightown were called to the property on Northam Road at around 7:30pm after smoke and flames were seen coming from the ground floor. The occupant had safely evacuated the home and closed the bedroom door behind them, limiting the fire to the single room.

One person received treatment at the scene from South Central Ambulance Service paramedics. Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus used hose reel jets to extinguish the flames and deployed ventilation fans to clear smoke from the property.

Firefighters also carried out several home fire safety visits before returning to their stations at approximately 9pm.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service reminded residents to always keep doors closed when evacuating during a fire and to ensure electrical appliances are switched off when not in use.