Flat fire in high rise building - one person rescued

Firefighters were called to a flat fire on the 2nd floor of a high rise building in Southend last night. 

Crews entered the flat and extinguished the fire.

Firefighters rescued one casualty who was suffering from smoke inhalation. 

Station Manager Jason Gould said: "We believe the fire started in the kitchen. It's really important to keep your hobs, ovens and grills clean as a build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire. 

"We’d like to thank the residents of the flats for following the building’s stay put policy in the event of a fire. This meant we could get up to the flat quickly. Our firefighters worked quickly to contain the fire and smoke to the kitchen area which prevented damage throughout the flat.”

The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service. 

Hob and cooker top tips: 

• Never use the hob or cooker as a storage area 
• Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob 
• Keep the oven, hob and grill clean, and in good working order – a build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire 
• Double check the cooker is off when you've finished cooking