Electrical fault causes house fire

Firefighters rescued two dogs during a house fire in Benfleet earlier today.

Crews were called to Southwold Crescent at 12:45pm after a neighbour noticed smoke and dialled 999.

On arrival, crews reported that the rear of the house was 80% alight and the house was heavily smoke logged.

Firefighters rescued two dogs, who were both unharmed during the fire.

Crews extinguished the fire by 1:15pm and believe it was caused by an electrical fault.

Do you have working smoke alarms in your home?

Smoke alarms save lives. They can alert your family as well as your neighbours and passers-by to a fire in your home if you're not in.

We recommend you have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home and that you test them at least once a month.

If you or someone you know doesn’t have working smoke alarms at home, please get in touch. Visit essex-fire.gov.uk/book or call 0300 303 0088.