Background

On 10 May earlier this year, a fire broke out in a home in Cleckheaton, a residential property owned by Mr W and occupied by the tenant, Mr G. The fire began in the ground floor kitchen, specifically at the wall between the cellar entrance and the hallway door, and caused significant fire damage to multiple appliances, including a tumble dryer and a fridge freezer, as well as extensive smoke damage throughout the property. The tenant, Mr G, reported that the tumble dryer had been running for approximately 15 minutes when the smoke alarm sounded.

The initial site inspection identified the tumble dryer as the likely source of the fire. However, given the extent of the damage and the fact there were multiple appliances present in close proximity, the claim was escalated for further technical investigation. The property team referred the case to GBB, Davies’ independent forensic evidence experts, for a detailed joint examination with the manufacturer’s representatives.

How we helped

Our property team worked quickly to secure evidence and ensure that the damaged appliances were preserved as much as possible for further inspection. Over 200 photographs were taken, and fire-damaged parts, including electronic components, plugs and electrical leads, were preserved and examined. GBB carried out an inspection to identify the fire’s origin and possible causes.

The investigation included destructive testing of the electrical wiring, electronic components, and compressor motor of the tumble dryer and fridge freezer. Fire-damaged items, including a lithium-ion battery pack from a portable jump starter were also recovered and assessed.

The key findings included:

1. The tumble dryer sustained extensive damage; however, a forensic inspection did not identify any definitive evidence to confirm it as the fire’s origin.
2. A high-capacity lithium-ion battery was identified within the fire debris. While it could have been a possible ignition source, incidents of this nature would usually cause a loud rupture, which Mr G did not report.
3. The fridge freezer showed a distinctive fire damage pattern around the compressor motor starter relay. A malfunctioning relay can cause the compressor motor to overheat, potentially leading to an electrical short, or create an electrical arc which can cause the ignition of surrounding materials, including the plastic components and insulation within the refrigerator

Once all the sources had been investigated, the team at GBB successfully ruled out the tumble dryer as the origin of the fire. Concentrating on the fridge freezer, meticulous inspection pointed to a failure of the starter capacitor; a component that provides a high current electrical “boost” to the compressor motor.

Outcome

This case highlights the value of collaboration between teams within Davies. The property team received the claim and acted quickly to secure the evidence, while GBB provided in-depth technical expertise and forensic analysis.

The joint approach ensured that all possible ignition sources were considered, and that it was done fairly by having the involvement of the manufacturers after the initial inspection which revealed a potential fault in their appliance. Additionally, we were able to present our client with a clear and unbiased investigation report to answer their burning questions on what was otherwise, a very complex claim. As a result, the fridge freezer’s manufacturer’s insurer has agreed to deal with the claim in full, saving our insurer client a massive £150,000 in damage costs.

If you’re looking for help with the investigation of property fire claims, get in touch.

Philip Hoyes – Director, GBB
Philip.Hoyes@davies-group.com