Flat fire: two casualties
UPDATE SUNDAY 5.45PM
An investigation has concluded the fire was accidental, however the extent of the damage means the exact cause cannot be identified.
The living area and bedroom were destroyed by fire and the roof collapsed, but crews managed to stop the fire spreading to adjoining properties.
The fire was initially reported by a member of the public who saw smoke. There was no sign of a smoke alarm in the flat.
We want every home in Essex to have the excellent protection that smoke alarms offer. Smoke alarms can alert you, a neighbour or passer-by to a fire and give you a chance to escape your home safely.
To arrange your FREE fitting, call 0300 303 0088 or visit essex-fire.gov.uk/book.
UPDATE SATURDAY 10:10PM
Crews have extinguished a flat fire in Westcliff and one relief crew will remain at the scene to check for hotspots.
A man, who was pulled from the building by members of the public, was treated at the scene by firefighters and left in the care of the Ambulance Service.
Group Manager Martyn Hare said: "Crews did a fantastic job of getting on top of the fire so quickly and stopping it from spreading.
"I'd also like to commend the members of the public for helping the man out of the building."
An investigation will be carried out to establish the cause of the fire.
SATURDAY 9:20PM
Crews are tackling a flat fire in Westcliff.
Firefighters were called to Park Street today at 7.35pm and found a rapidly developing fire in a flat.
As well as tackling the fire, crews treated a man in his fifties and left him in the care of the Ambulance Service. A second casualty also needed assistance.
The flat is in a row of terraced properties and firefighters are tackling the fire from the adjacent buildings to stop it from spreading. Residents whose properties have been affected by the fire are being supported at Southend's Civic Centre.
Group Manager Martyn Hare said: "Crews are working tremendously hard in really arduous conditions, I can't speak highly enough of the excellent job they have done to contain this fire.
"We will be at this incident into the evening, so I would like to thank residents for keeping their distance to allow our crews to do their jobs."
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