Fire started in airing cupboard

Firefighters were called to reports of a fire on the first floor of a terraced cottage in Tollesbury early this morning (Thursday 10 November).

The firefighters first on the scene reported the first floor of the property was full of smoke. Thankfully the occupants were safely outside when the crews arrived. The fire was found in the airing cupboard. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus quickly extinguished the fire before the fire could spread to the rest of the cottage. Fire crews then ventilated the property to clear the smoke.

Watch Manager Dave Farrant, Tollesbury Fire Station said:

"Although the house suffered smoke damage this family was extremely lucky. The property did not have any working smoke alarms and were only alerted to the fire once the electricity tripped out. Thankfully they got outside safely before we arrived.

"Once the firefighters had finished at the property, they went door to door in the surrounding area to check everyone else had working smoke alarms. We fitted quite a few this morning to properties without smoke alarms. 

"We provide and fit smoke alarms completely free of charge, so I would urge anyone reading this to get in touch with us if they know they don't have working smoke alarms. It's really easy, you can book online: http://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/book  or call us on 0300 303 0088."