Fire in flat

Crews have issued safety advice after a fire in a first floor flat.

Firefighters were called to reports of a fire in Cossington Road, Westcliff today at 3.38am.

The occupants, a couple, were out of the property when crews arrived and they evacuated the other flats in the building as a precaution. 

Watch Manager Dan Hart said: "The fire had started in a back bedroom and smoke was coming from a front window and a rear window.

"Crews extinguished the fire and set up a high pressure fan quickly to prevent smoke damage to any other part of the building.

"The fire was caused by a faulty electrical heater or the double socket it was plugged into. The occupant was alerted to when another appliance started beeping and tried to smother the fire with clothes. Don't try to tackle a fire in your home: get out, stay out and call 999.

"The incident is also a useful reminder to everyone to check they have working smoke alarms and to make sure exits are clear from clutter."

The fire was fully extinguished by 4.46am and the cause has been recorded as accidental. The bedroom suffered heat damage and the rest of the flat was smoke-logged.

Have you got working smoke alarms in your home?

We want every home in Essex to have a working smoke alarm. If you or someone you know doesn't have workoing smoke alarms, we can provide and fit smoke alarms completely FREE of charge. Simply book a home safety visit and we'll do the rest. Call: 0300 303 0088 or book online: www.essex-fire.gov.uk/book