Firefighters went to a house in Bognor on Wednesday as part of a safety visit and found an overloaded plug socket had previously sparked a small fire.
It happened after two extension leads were plugged together, causing the plugs to overheat and melt into the socket.
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Nathan Cross, head of fire prevention at West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It was a stroke of luck that this fire burnt itself out and didn’t cause extensive damage but the consequences could have been much more serious.
“It’s important that occupiers are aware of fire risks in their homes and do everything possible to prevent an incident from happening.”
He said more than half of accidental house fires were caused by electrical items, with the risk of fires increasing as more appliances are used.
Mr Cross said: “I would urge people to only use one extension lead per socket and never plug one extension lead into another.”
The discovery was made during a “Safe and Well” visit, which is a free service provided by the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.
These can be booked at https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire-emergencies-and-crime/west-sussex-fire-and-rescue-service/home-fire-safety/safe-and-well-visit/#request-a-visit.
Firefighters will advise people how to make their homes safer.
The service can also install smoke detectors or other fire detection equipment without charge.
The visits last between 30 and 45 minutes and are offered to individuals and groups most in need.
This includes anyone that has a higher risk of having a fire in their home or anyone who is less able to escape their home in an emergency.
People can complete an online free fire safety check which takes them through homes one room at a time and lists the fire risks. There are tips and advice on how to cut the risks.
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