Flat fire: young family left homeless

A young family have been left temporarily homeless after a flat fire in Colchester.

We were called to a first floor flat in William's Walk today at 10.27am and crews from Colchester and Wivenhoe attended.

The flat was completely smoke-logged but firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and ventilated the property. They also evacuated adjoining flats until it was safe for the residents to return.

A woman and her young child managed to get out of the flat before crews arrived. They suffered mild smoke inhalation, but their dog sadly could not be resuscitated.

Unfortunately, the extent of the smoke damage means the flat is temporarily uninhabitable.

Crew Manager Brenden Cardy said:  "Thankfully the occupant did exactly the right thing when she noticed the fire; she got out, called 999 and stayed out.

"We believe the fire started in a utility cupboard where a fuse box and fridge-freezer were located.

"The incident serves as a reminder to get your electrics tested regularly and make sure appliances like fridges and freezers have room for air to ventilate behind the appliance.

"I'd like to praise crews for their quick response, hard work and professionalism in difficult circumstances."

Crews left the scene just before 1pm. The cause has been recorded as accidental.