Crews issue advice after halogen heater causes house fire

Crews have issued advice after extinguishing a fire caused by a halogen heater.

Our Control team were called to London Road, Clacton today at 8.04am.

Crews from Clacton (two), Weeley and Colchester attended and found a well developed fire in the ground floor of an end terrace house.

Station Manager Dave Bond said: "Crews did a fantastic job of stopping what was a significant fire from spreading from the room where it started.

"Unfortunately the house has been left uninhabitable, due to smoke damage throughout. However, had it not been for the hard work of Watch Manager John-Paul Charters and the crews, it could have been a lot worse.

"We believe the fire started when a halogen heater set alight furniture or other items nearby. Please take care if you're using an electric heater – keep it well away from anything that could catch fire, plug it into the mains rather than an extension lead and make sure the heater is in good condition."

The occupant was treated for the effects of breathing in smoke. 

Crews remained at the scene into the afternoon to check for hotspots.