Firefighters rescue elderly man during kitchen fire

Firefighters rescued an elderly man last night after a kitchen fire in a flat. 

Crews were called to an automatic fire alarm on Tasman Court, Chelmsford at 2am. 

On arrival, crews reported that smoke alarms were going off in a heavily smoke logged flat. 

Firefighters entered the flat wearing Breathing Apparatus and rescued an elderly man. 

Crews worked to extinguish a fire in the kitchen. Firefighters believe it was caused when the hob was accidentally turned on and items on top caught alight. 

The man was treated for smoke inhalation and left in the care of the Ambulance Service. 

The flat has been left uninhabitable due to the smoke damage. 

Watch Manager Mark Curtis from Chelmsford Fire Station said: “Please try to keep your hob and the surrounding area clear once you’ve finished cooking. We’ve seen several fires where the hob has been accidentally turned on. Keeping your hob clear can help to minimise the risk of a fire. 

“We’d also recommend closing your internal doors each night before you go to bed and when you go out. Having the doors closed can help to prevent smoke spreading if there is a fire in your home.”