Flat fire caused by discarded cigarette
Firefighters are warning smokers to take care while smoking inside after a flat fire in Great Baddow this morning left a woman homeless.
Crews were called to Meadgate Avenue in Great Baddow at 2:15am to a flat fire after the resident heard her smoke alarms going off.
On arrival, crews reported that a first floor flat was heavily smoke logged with a fire in the living room.
Crews worked to extinguish the fire by 2:52am and believe it was started by a discarded cigarette when the resident had fallen asleep while smoking.
The resident has been rendered homeless.
Watch Manager Simon Beardsley from Chelmsford Fire Station said: “If you are a smoker or you know someone who smokes, please take care while smoking. If you’re tired or you’ve had a drink, we’d suggest avoiding smoking indoors as it’s very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is burning.
“Having working smoke alarms alerted the resident to this fire and gave her time to get out, stay out and call the fire service out.
“We recommend you have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home and that you test them regularly - they’re proven life savers. If you or someone you doesn’t have working smoke alarms at home, please get in touch with our team who can fit them for free."
Do you have working smoke alarms?
Smoke alarms are proven life savers. They will alert you to the first sign of fire, giving everyone in the property the time they need to get out safely call the fire service.
We want to make sure that every single home in Essex has a smoke alarm, so we will visit any home in Essex and fit smoke alarms completely FREE of charge.
What a home safety visit involves:
-
Identifying and making you aware of the potential fire risks in your home
-
Making sure you know what to do to reduce or prevent these risks
-
Helping you put together an escape plan in case a fire breaks out in the future
-
Making sure you have a working smoke alarm and, if you don't, we will fit a FREE ten year smoke alarm
To arrange your home safety visit please call 0300 303 0088 or complete an online form.
