18 November 2025
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) is urging all residents to take extra care with electrical items this winter after a plug sparked an emergency incident.
The incident occurred at a residential property in Crawley when the resident heard a loud bang coming from a plug socket. Upon inspection, they found the plug socket adapter and connected plugs had become blackened, indicating possible overheating. The resident immediately disconnected the adapter from the wall and contacted the emergency services.
Fire crews arrived promptly to assess the situation and ensure the property was safe. Fortunately, no fire had broken out as a result of the overheating and fortunately there were no injuries either. WSFRS offered the resident a free Safe & Well Visit from the fire and rescue service’s Prevention Team, which helps identify risks in people’s homes and help them lead safer lives.
Crawley Fire Station Manager, James McGrath praised the resident’s quick thinking and actions which likely prevented a more serious incident from happening. He said: “I urge all residents to remain vigilant about electrical safety. Signs of damage or overheating, unusual sounds, or smells from sockets and appliances should be treated seriously, and professional advice should be sought.
“Always check that your plugs and adapters have been manufactured to British safety standards and only purchase them from reputable sources. Using substandard products poses a serious fire risk.
“Ensure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them regularly. In the event of a fire in your home, always get out, stay out, and call 999.”
It’s a good idea to check plugs and plug wires regularly. Plugs and their cables can be damaged with use.
- Check the plug meets British Standard BS 1363 – it will be marked on the back.
- Look for cracks or damage on the casing.
- Look for signs of overheating, such as discoloured casing or cables, or scorch marks around a socket or plug or on an appliance.
- Be aware if there is a smell of hot plastic or burning near an appliance or socket.
- Check appliances if fuses blow or circuit-breakers trip for no obvious reason.
For further guidance on electrical safety in the home, visit the WSFRS website.
