Boy, 14, alerts family to house fire

A teenage boy alerted his mum and sister to a fire in their house after the tumble dryer caught alight.

We were called to a two-storey house in Salvia Close, Clacton on Monday at 11.38pm and crews from Clacton and Weeley attended.

Firefighters found a tumble dryer alight and the ground floor filling with smoke. They extinguished the fire by 12.21am.

Watch Manager Craig Todd said: "It's clear from the level of smoke damage and fire spread that the rapid and professional response from our crews prevented further damage and stopped it from effecting adjoining properties."

As the house has been left uninhabitable, crews have been liaising with the Red Cross to help find the family alternative accommodation.

Firefighters also visited the area yesterday to talk to residents about home fire safety.

Watch Manager Dave Garratt said: "I would like to praise the 14-year-old boy who showed real bravery to raise the alarm.

"He was woken by the smoke and ran through the area of the house affected by the fire to wake up his mum and sister.

"However, the incident highlights the importance of having smoke alarms and testing them regularly to make sure they are working.

"It also shows the dangers of using electrical appliances, such as tumbler dryers, overnight or when unattended - please don't take the risk."