Bungalow fire in Rainham caused by roof works.

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a bungalow on Walden Avenue in Rainham yesterday.

Part of the ground floor and most of the roof of the detached bungalow were damaged by fire. Two women and a child left the building before the London Fire Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.

The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers took 14 calls to the Rainham blaze.

London Fire Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by hot works which were carried out on the roof.

Station Officer Gary Collins, who was at the scene, said: “The property was undergoing major refurbishment and hot works had been carried out on the roof. Building works like welding, cutting or grinding create a lot of heat and sparks. Within a number of hours, the roof had caught alight and flames spread quickly.

“This incident is a timely reminder to test your smoke alarms. The residents had a lucky escape as smoke alarms fitted inside their home failed to alert them to the fire. You should have smoke alarms fitted in every room in your home where a fire can start, for example where you have appliances plugged in, and a heat alarm in your kitchen.”

The Brigade was called at 20.50 and the fire was under control by 23.09. Fire crews from Dagenham, Wennington, Barking and Hornchurch fire stations attended the scene.