Log burner starts bedroom fire
Fire crews were called to a house in Rochford this morning after a woman discovered a fire in her bedroom.
The homeowner heard a loud bang upstairs and, after noticing smoke coming from a window, immediately called 999.
Firefighters arrived quickly and found the first floor of the house heavily smoke-logged.
Watch Manager Gary Shinn from Hawkwell Fire Station said:
“We believe the fire was caused when heat from the log burner’s flue ignited the floor joists, which then spread to a wardrobe and other nearby materials.
"Unfortunately, the bedroom was completely destroyed. However, the homeowner had recently attended a fire safety course and, thanks to her quick thinking in closing all the internal doors, the fire was contained, preventing further damage to the rest of the house.”
Firefighters fully extinguished the fire by 10.15am and ventilated the property.
Chimney fire safety advice:
Most chimney fires are preventable. Regular inspection and cleaning of chimney flues will help prevent fires within chimneys. Keep your family and home safe by following our chimney safety advice:
- Use a Qualified Installer: Always have your log burner fitted and signed off by a Gas Safe Registered installer
- Proper Flue and Chimney: Make sure the flue and chimney are installed correctly and meet safety standards to prevent heat from affecting surrounding materials like joists.
- Adequate Clearance: Maintain proper clearance between the log burner and any combustible materials, such as furniture, curtains or wood structures.
- Fireproof Hearth: Install the burner on a fireproof hearth to prevent heat damage to flooring and nearby surfaces.
- Smoke Alarms: Fit working smoke alarms on each floor of your home, and install a carbon monoxide detector near the log burner.
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. To arrange your home safety visit please call 0300 303 0088 or complete an online form.
Have Your Say: Public Consultation on Our Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP)
While responding to emergencies will always be a key part of what we do, being a part of the community means just as much. We're here every day, working alongside you, educating, preventing, and engaging in ways that keep our communities safe and resilient.
We're shaping our next set of plans, and we want your ideas and input to help make them even better. Your input is vital to make sure our plans reflect the needs and priorities of the communities we serve.
