Fatal maisonette fire in Witham

Crews extinguished a maisonette fire in Witham.

We were called to a two-storey property in Blackthorn Road on Thursday (28 March) at 10.36pm by a neighbour.

Crews from Chelmsford (two), Colchester (two), Great Baddow, Maldon and an Aerial Ladder Platform from Grays attended. 

The first crew arrived in six minutes and found a well-developed fire affecting both floors.

Sadly a man died at the scene.

Crews extinguished the fire shortly after 1am and remained at the scene overnight to dampen down. They left the scene yesterday (Friday 29 March) at 8.20am.

An investigation carried out yesterday has established the cause was accidental.

Statement from Essex Police

We were called by colleagues at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service to Blackthorn Road in Witham at about 10.40pm on Thursday (28 March), following reports of a fire at a residential address. 

The response was led by our fire colleagues.

Sadly, we can now confirm a man has died as a result of the incident.

His family have been made aware and are being supported.

Enquiries surrounding the circumstances of the fire are ongoing and we are continuing to liaise with fire investigators.