Fire Officers are warning residents of the dangers of electrical fires following a flat fire in Pensarn.

Crews from Colwyn Bay and Rhyl were called to a block of flats on South Parade, Pensarn at 14.57hrs yesterday, March 18 after a fire alarm sounded, occupants were evacuated and a fire was reported in a flat on the fourth floor.

Firefighters used eight sets of breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets to tackle the fire. The fire caused severe smoke, heat and fire damage to the lounge of the flat where the fire originated and smoke and water damage to a number of other flats.

Initial findings of the fire investigation suggest the most probable cause of the fire was an electrical fault.

Richard Everall from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Thankfully the occupants of the flats had the early warning provided by smoke alarms and were able to evacuate safely - this incident once again demonstrates the importance of working smoke alarms.

"We attend around 470 accidental fires in dwellings each year and electricity or electrical items are responsible for over 300 of these fires.

"Around 90 of these fires are due to electrical faults - but the majority are caused by misuse of the electrical items.

"It's important to operate appliances according to the manufacturers' instructions and to check electrical items and leads for signs of damage or wear. So many residents use old or dangerous electrical items and overload their sockets, causing a potentially fatal fire risk.

"Why not give our 'ampage' calculator on our website and facebook page a go -www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk or www.facebook.com/Northwalesfireservice.

-  it tells you if you are overloading your sockets and helps you to stay electrically safe."

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service offer free home fire safety checks, where a member of the Service will visit your home, give fire safety hints and tips, help you to formulate a fire escape plan and fit new alarms - all free of charge. This service is available to all residents in North Wales.

To register for a free home fire safety check, please call the 24 hour free hotline on 0800 169 1234, e-mail cfs@nwales-fireservice.org.uk or visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk.