A fire at a home in Cronk Elfin Road, Ramsey, on January 13, first thought to be due to an electrical fault, is now believed to be due to careless disposal of smoking materials by persons unknown.

The property was damaged externally where the fire is believed to have started, and internally due to the fire entering through windows.

The occupants escaped safely.

The property is owned by Ramsey Commissioners, who have provided an update, saying: ’The insurance broker has confirmed that liability has been agreed and that the most likely cause scenario is due to careless disposal of smoking materials by unknown persons, and investigators are certain it was not electrical as first reported in the press.’

They add that it is also fortunate that the tenants had their own contents insurance and their claim has been successful to clear the property of the damaged contents and replace damaged items.

The property has extensive fire and smoke damage internally.

Two cars were also damaged.

The gable end has had structural movement and temporary supports have been fixed as a precautionary measure; parts of the wall will require to be rebuilt. An external shed and a 1000 litres oil tank has been totally destroyed, as has the boundary fence to the neighbouring property.

The neighbouring private property has fire and smoke damage and two cars in the driveway have been totally destroyed by the fire.

A firm of consultants has been employed by the commissioners to provide a specification to enable them to tender and employ a contractor to carry out the necessary repairs, to be able to re-let the property as soon as practicable.